What connects the middle ear to the throat and helps equalize pressure on the eardrum?

The Eustachian tube is the structure that connects the middle ear to the throat, playing a crucial role in equalizing pressure on the eardrum. This balance of pressure is essential for proper hearing, as it allows the eardrum to vibrate freely in response to sound waves. When the pressure inside the middle ear matches the atmospheric pressure, the eardrum can function optimally. The Eustachian tube opens during actions such as swallowing or yawning, enabling air to flow into the middle ear from the throat, thereby adjusting the pressure.

In contrast, the cochlea is involved in the process of hearing itself, as it converts sound vibrations into neural signals, while the auditory nerve transmits these signals to the brain for interpretation. The oval window, on the other hand, is a membrane-covered opening that leads from the middle ear to the inner ear and acts as a mechanical interface, transmitting vibrations from the ossicles to the fluid in the cochlea but does not serve a function related to pressure equalization. Therefore, the Eustachian tube is specifically responsible for maintaining pressure balance and ensuring optimal eardrum function.