The ratio of the tympanic membrane to the oval window is -

Ans. is 'a' i.e., 17: 1 o The main transformer action of middle ear comes from the tympanic membrane.o The ratio of the functioning area (effective vibrating area) to the area of stapes footplate is 17: 1, and this is to mechanical advantage provided by the tympanic membrane which increases the sound pressure at the footplate,o You should keep in mind that though the ratio of the functional area of tympanic membrane to footplate is 17 :1, ratio of total area of tympanic membrane is 21 :1 (As the effective vibratory area of tympanic membrane is 2/3rf of total are mechanical advantage is provided only by 2/3rd of the total area).