Tympanic plexus: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|A network of nerves in the middle ear}} | {{Short description|A network of nerves in the middle ear}} | ||
The '''tympanic plexus''' is a network of nerves located in the middle ear. It | The '''tympanic plexus''' is a network of nerves located in the [[middle ear]]. It plays a crucial role in the innervation of the [[tympanic cavity]] and the [[mucous membrane]] of the [[middle ear]]. This plexus is primarily formed by the [[tympanic nerve]], a branch of the [[glossopharyngeal nerve]] (cranial nerve IX), and receives contributions from the [[carotid plexus]]. | ||
==Anatomy== | ==Anatomy== | ||
The tympanic plexus is | The tympanic plexus is situated on the promontory of the [[middle ear]], which is a rounded eminence on the medial wall of the tympanic cavity. The plexus is formed by the tympanic nerve, which enters the middle ear through the tympanic canaliculus. This nerve carries both sensory and parasympathetic fibers. | ||
=== | ===Components=== | ||
* '''Tympanic nerve''': A branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve, it enters the middle ear and forms the tympanic plexus on the promontory. | |||
* '''Carotid plexus''': Sympathetic fibers from the carotid plexus join the tympanic plexus, contributing to its formation. | |||
===Branches=== | ===Branches=== | ||
The tympanic plexus gives rise to several branches | The tympanic plexus gives rise to several branches that supply the mucous membrane of the middle ear, the mastoid air cells, and the auditory tube. One of the significant branches is the [[lesser petrosal nerve]], which carries parasympathetic fibers to the [[otic ganglion]]. | ||
==Function== | ==Function== | ||
The primary function of the tympanic plexus is to provide sensory innervation to the mucous membrane of the middle ear | The primary function of the tympanic plexus is to provide sensory innervation to the mucous membrane of the middle ear. It also supplies parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland via the lesser petrosal nerve and the otic ganglion. The sympathetic fibers from the carotid plexus are involved in vasomotor control. | ||
==Clinical significance== | ==Clinical significance== | ||
Disorders of the tympanic plexus can lead to various symptoms, including ear pain and dysfunction of the parotid gland. Infections or inflammations of the middle ear, such as [[otitis media]], can affect the tympanic plexus, leading to referred pain or altered sensation. | |||
==Images== | ==Images== | ||
[[File:Gray911.png|thumb|Diagram of the tympanic plexus on the promontory of the middle ear.]] | [[File:Gray911.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the tympanic plexus on the promontory of the middle ear.]] | ||
[[File:Gray788.png|thumb|The course | [[File:Gray788.png|thumb|left|The course of the glossopharyngeal nerve, showing its branches including the tympanic nerve.]] | ||
==Related pages== | ==Related pages== | ||
* [[Middle ear]] | |||
* [[Glossopharyngeal nerve]] | * [[Glossopharyngeal nerve]] | ||
* [[Otic ganglion]] | * [[Otic ganglion]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Lesser petrosal nerve]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Anatomy of the human ear]] | ||
[[Category:Peripheral nervous system]] | [[Category:Peripheral nervous system]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:43, 18 February 2025
A network of nerves in the middle ear
The tympanic plexus is a network of nerves located in the middle ear. It plays a crucial role in the innervation of the tympanic cavity and the mucous membrane of the middle ear. This plexus is primarily formed by the tympanic nerve, a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX), and receives contributions from the carotid plexus.
Anatomy[edit]
The tympanic plexus is situated on the promontory of the middle ear, which is a rounded eminence on the medial wall of the tympanic cavity. The plexus is formed by the tympanic nerve, which enters the middle ear through the tympanic canaliculus. This nerve carries both sensory and parasympathetic fibers.
Components[edit]
- Tympanic nerve: A branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve, it enters the middle ear and forms the tympanic plexus on the promontory.
- Carotid plexus: Sympathetic fibers from the carotid plexus join the tympanic plexus, contributing to its formation.
Branches[edit]
The tympanic plexus gives rise to several branches that supply the mucous membrane of the middle ear, the mastoid air cells, and the auditory tube. One of the significant branches is the lesser petrosal nerve, which carries parasympathetic fibers to the otic ganglion.
Function[edit]
The primary function of the tympanic plexus is to provide sensory innervation to the mucous membrane of the middle ear. It also supplies parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland via the lesser petrosal nerve and the otic ganglion. The sympathetic fibers from the carotid plexus are involved in vasomotor control.
Clinical significance[edit]
Disorders of the tympanic plexus can lead to various symptoms, including ear pain and dysfunction of the parotid gland. Infections or inflammations of the middle ear, such as otitis media, can affect the tympanic plexus, leading to referred pain or altered sensation.
Images[edit]
