Tympanic Membrane

The Tympanic Membrane (pronunciation: tim-PAN-ik MEM-brane), also known as the eardrum, is a thin, cone-shaped membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear in humans and other tetrapods. Its primary function is to transmit sound from the air to the ossicles inside the middle ear, and then to the oval window in the fluid-filled cochlea.

Etymology

The term "tympanic membrane" comes from the Greek word "tympanon", meaning drum, and the Latin word "membrana", meaning skin or parchment. This is due to the membrane's drum-like ability to vibrate in response to sound waves.

Anatomy

The tympanic membrane is composed of three layers: the outermost layer, which is continuous with the skin of the external auditory canal; the middle fibrous layer, which provides strength; and the innermost layer, which is continuous with the mucous membrane of the middle ear.

Related Terms

Ossicles: The three tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
Cochlea: The spiral-shaped part of the inner ear that is responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses.
Eustachian Tube: A tube that links the nasopharynx to the middle ear, which is responsible for equalizing pressure in the middle ear.
Otitis Media: An infection or inflammation of the middle ear, often caused by a dysfunction of the Eustachian tube.
Myringotomy: A surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the eardrum to relieve pressure or drain fluid.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Tympanic Membrane
Wikipedia's article - Tympanic Membrane

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Tympanic Membrane