Auditory canal
Auditory Canal
The Auditory Canal (pronunciation: aw-dit-or-ee kuh-nal), also known as the External Auditory Meatus, is a tube running from the outer ear to the middle ear.
Etymology
The term "Auditory Canal" is derived from the Latin words "audire" meaning "to hear" and "canalis" meaning "channel" or "pipe".
Anatomy
The Auditory Canal is approximately 2.5 centimeters long in humans and is lined with hairs, sebaceous glands, and ceruminous glands. It is divided into two parts: the outer third, which is cartilaginous, and the inner two-thirds, which is bony and narrower.
The primary function of the Auditory Canal is to transmit sound from the pinna, or outer ear, to the tympanic membrane or eardrum. It also helps to protect the eardrum from damage.
Related Terms
- Tympanic Membrane: The eardrum is a thin, cone-shaped membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear. It vibrates when sound waves strike it, initiating the process of hearing.
- Cerumen: A waxy substance produced by glands in the ear canal that helps to protect the ear by trapping dust and other particles before they reach the eardrum.
- Swimmer's Ear: An infection of the outer ear and ear canal. It often occurs after swimming, when water remains in the ear canal, creating a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth.
- Middle Ear: The portion of the ear internal to the eardrum, and external to the inner ear. The middle ear houses the three auditory ossicles: the malleus, incus, and stapes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Auditory canal
- Wikipedia's article - Auditory canal
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