Eardrum

Eardrum

The eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is a thin, cone-shaped membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear in humans and other tetrapods. Its 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. Hence, it ultimately converts and amplifies vibration in air to vibration in fluid. The malleus bone bridges the gap between the eardrum and the other ossicles.

Anatomy

The eardrum is a thin, semi-transparent membrane that separates the external ear canal from the middle ear. It is approximately 10 mm in diameter and is made up of three layers: the outermost layer, which is in contact with the ear canal; the middle fibrous layer, which is the thickest and contains radial and circular collagen fibers; and the innermost layer, which is in contact with the middle ear.

Function

The primary function of the eardrum is to transmit sound. When sound waves enter the ear, they strike the eardrum and cause it to vibrate. This vibration is then transferred to the tiny bones in the middle ear, which amplify the sound and send it to the inner ear.

Health issues

Damage to the eardrum can lead to hearing loss. This can occur as a result of trauma, infection, or exposure to loud noise. In some cases, the eardrum can be repaired through a surgical procedure known as a tympanoplasty.

See also

• Ear
• Middle ear
• Inner ear
• Hearing loss
• Tympanoplasty

References

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