The anatomy of the middle ear is just part of the complex system that allows you to hear.
The middle ear is also called the tympanic cavity or tympanum.
This article will go over the anatomy of the middle ear.
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You will learn about all the parts of the middle ear as well as their functions.
Each has its own function and they all work together to help you hear.
Tympanic Membrane
The tympanic membrane is also called the eardrum.
It separates the middle ear from the external ear.
It is semitransparent and under normal circumstances surrounded by air on both sides.
It is normally slightly concave.
A healthy middle ear is filled with air.
It is a rectangular space with four walls, a ceiling, and a floor.
The lateral wall consists of the tympanic membrane.
The roof separates the middle ear from the middle cranial fossa.
The floor separates the middle ear from thejugular vein.
What are the muscles of the middle ear?
The middle ear has two muscles: the tympani muscle and thestapediusmuscle.
The posterior wall is a bony partition that separates the middle ear and the mastoid air cells.
They are connected by synovial joints and ligaments.
Sometimes the three bones are referred to as the ossicular chain.
The chain carries vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the oval window.
The stapes is the smallest bone in the human body.
The auditory tube ventilates the middle ear and also clears it of mucus and unwanted debris.
An adult auditory tube is approximately 31 mm to 38 mm in length.
Sound waves are funneled into the outer ear and strike the tympanic membrane, causing it to vibrate.
Ruptured Eardrum
Aruptured eardrummay more accurately be called a tympanic membrane perforation.
It comes up whenever the tympanic membrane is torn or otherwise compromised.
This can be sparked by loud noises such as a gunshot or explosion, barotrauma, or an injury.
Common symptoms include hearing loss or tinnitus, ear drainage, and pain.
Small perforations will heal on their own, but severely damaged eardrums sometimes must be surgically repaired.
Symptoms include ear pain and fever, which may get worse at night.
Middle ear infections sometimes require antibiotics, and pain can be managed using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen.
Like middle ear infections, it is more common in children than adults.
It usually resolves on its own once the underlying cause is treated but sometimes must be treated by surgery.
The anatomy of the middle ear ensures its function, such as allowing you to hear.
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