Tympanic cavity
Tympanic Cavity
The Tympanic Cavity (pronounced: tim-pan-ik kav-i-tee), also known as the middle ear, is an air-filled space located within the temporal bone of the skull. It is an integral part of the auditory system, playing a crucial role in the process of hearing.
Etymology
The term "Tympanic" is derived from the Greek word "tympanon", which means drum. This is in reference to the tympanic membrane or eardrum, a thin structure that separates the tympanic cavity from the external ear. The term "Cavity" comes from the Latin word "cavitas", meaning a hollow.
Anatomy
The tympanic cavity is a small, air-filled space located in the temporal bone. It is bounded by the tympanic membrane on one side and the labyrinth of the inner ear on the other. The cavity houses the three smallest bones in the human body, collectively known as the ossicles. These include the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup), which transmit sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear.
Function
The primary function of the tympanic cavity is to transmit sound from the external environment to the inner ear. The ossicles within the cavity amplify the sound vibrations received from the tympanic membrane, allowing the vibrations to be transferred to the fluid-filled inner ear. This process is essential for the perception of sound.
Related Terms
- Tympanic membrane: The eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the external ear from the tympanic cavity.
- Ossicles: The three small bones located within the tympanic cavity, responsible for transmitting sound vibrations.
- Eustachian tube: A tube that connects the tympanic cavity to the nasopharynx, helping to equalize pressure within the middle ear.
- Mastoid process: A projection of the temporal bone located behind the ear, containing air cells that communicate with the tympanic cavity.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tympanic cavity
- Wikipedia's article - Tympanic cavity
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