Tympanic plexus

Tympanic Plexus

The Tympanic Plexus is a network of nerve fibers located in the middle ear. It is derived from the glossopharyngeal nerve and provides sensory innervation to the mucous membrane of the middle ear, mastoid air cells, and pharyngotympanic tube.

Etymology

The term "tympanic" is derived from the Greek word "tympanon", which means drum. This is in reference to the tympanic membrane or eardrum, which is a key structure in the middle ear. The term "plexus" is derived from the Latin word for braid, referring to the network of nerves.

Anatomy

The Tympanic Plexus is formed by the tympanic nerve, a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve, and the caroticotympanic nerves, which are sympathetic nerve fibers from the carotid plexus. It is located on the promontory of the middle ear, a rounded hollow prominence formed by the first turn of the cochlea of the inner ear.

Function

The Tympanic Plexus provides sensory innervation to the mucous membrane of the middle ear, mastoid air cells, and pharyngotympanic tube. It also carries parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland via the lesser petrosal nerve.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Tympanic Plexus can result in a loss of sensation in the areas it supplies. This can lead to complications such as otitis media, a middle ear infection, or mastoiditis, an infection of the mastoid bone.

Related Terms

• Glossopharyngeal nerve: A cranial nerve that supplies the Tympanic Plexus.
• Carotid plexus: A network of nerves from which the Tympanic Plexus receives sympathetic nerve fibers.
• Otitis media: A condition that can result from damage to the Tympanic Plexus.
• Mastoiditis: Another potential complication of Tympanic Plexus damage.

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