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{{ear series|expanded=Middle}}
{{ear series|expanded=Middle}}
In the [[anatomy]] of humans and various other [[tetrapod]]s, the '''eardrum''', also called the '''tympanic membrane''' or '''myringa''', is a thin, cone-shaped [[biological membrane|membrane]] that separates the [[external ear]] from the [[middle ear]]. Its function is to transmit [[sound]] from the air to the [[ossicles]] inside the middle ear, and thence to the [[oval window]] in the fluid-filled [[cochlea]]. Hence, it ultimately converts and amplifies vibration in the air to vibration in cochlear fluid.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hilal |first=Fathi |last2=Liaw |first2=Jeffrey |last3=Cousins |first3=Joseph P. |last4=Rivera |first4=Arnaldo L. |last5=Nada |first5=Ayman |date=2023-04-01 |title=Autoincudotomy as an uncommon etiology of conductive hearing loss: Case report and review of literature |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1930043322009773 |journal=Radiology Case Reports |language=en |volume=18 |issue=4 |pages=1461–1465 |doi=10.1016/j.radcr.2022.10.097 |issn=1930-0433 |pmc=9925837 |pmid=36798057}}</ref> The [[malleus]] bone bridges the gap between the eardrum and the other ossicles.<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Purves|editor1-first=D|editor2-last=Augustine|editor2-first=G|editor3-last=Fitzpatrick|editor3-first=D|editor4-last=Hall|editor4-first=W|editor5-last=LaMantia|editor5-first=A|editor6-last=White|editor6-first=L|title=Neuroscience |date=2012|publisher=Sinauer|location=Sunderland|isbn=9780878936953|display-editors=etal}}</ref>
In the [[anatomy]] of humans and various other [[tetrapod]]s, the '''eardrum''', also called the '''tympanic membrane''' or '''myringa''', is a thin, cone-shaped [[biological membrane|membrane]] that separates the [[external ear]] from the [[middle ear]]. Its function is to transmit [[sound]] from the air to the [[ossicles]] inside the middle ear, and thence to the [[oval window]] in the fluid-filled [[cochlea]]. The ear thereby converts and amplifies vibration in the air to vibration in cochlear fluid.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hilal |first=Fathi |last2=Liaw |first2=Jeffrey |last3=Cousins |first3=Joseph P. |last4=Rivera |first4=Arnaldo L. |last5=Nada |first5=Ayman |date=2023-04-01 |title=Autoincudotomy as an uncommon etiology of conductive hearing loss: Case report and review of literature |url= |journal=Radiology Case Reports |language=en |volume=18 |issue=4 |pages=1461–1465 |doi=10.1016/j.radcr.2022.10.097 |issn=1930-0433 |pmc=9925837 |pmid=36798057}}</ref> The [[malleus]] bone bridges the gap between the eardrum and the other ossicles.<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Purves|editor1-first=D|editor2-last=Augustine|editor2-first=G|editor3-last=Fitzpatrick|editor3-first=D|editor4-last=Hall|editor4-first=W|editor5-last=LaMantia|editor5-first=A|editor6-last=White|editor6-first=L|title=Neuroscience |date=2012|publisher=Sinauer|location=Sunderland|isbn=9780878936953|display-editors=etal}}</ref>


Rupture or [[perforation of the eardrum]] can lead to [[conductive hearing loss]]. Collapse or [[tympanic membrane retraction|retraction]] of the eardrum can cause conductive hearing loss or [[cholesteatoma]].
Rupture or [[perforation of the eardrum]] can lead to [[conductive hearing loss]]. Collapse or [[tympanic membrane retraction|retraction]] of the eardrum can cause conductive hearing loss or [[cholesteatoma]].
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===Regions===
===Regions===


The eardrum is divided into two general regions: the [[pars flaccida of tympanic membrane|pars flaccida]] and the [[pars tensa of tympanic membrane|pars tensa]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gilberto |first1=Nelson |last2=Santos |first2=Ricardo |last3=Sousa |first3=Pedro |last4=O’Neill |first4=Assunção |last5=Escada |first5=Pedro |last6=Pais |first6=Diogo |title=''Pars tensa'' and tympanicomalleal joint: proposal for a new anatomic classification |journal=European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology |date=August 2019 |volume=276 |issue=8 |pages=2141–2148 |doi=10.1007/s00405-019-05434-4|pmid=31004197 |s2cid=123959777 }}</ref>
The eardrum is divided into two general regions: the [[pars flaccida of tympanic membrane|pars flaccida]] and the [[pars tensa of tympanic membrane|pars tensa]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gilberto |first1=Nelson |last2=Santos |first2=Ricardo |last3=Sousa |first3=Pedro |last4=O’Neill |first4=Assunção |last5=Escada |first5=Pedro |last6=Pais |first6=Diogo |title=''Pars tensa'' and tympanicomalleal joint: proposal for a new anatomic classification |journal=European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology |date=August 2019 |volume=276 |issue=8 |pages=2141–2148 |doi=10.1007/s00405-019-05434-4|pmid=31004197 |s2cid=123959777 }}</ref> The relatively fragile pars flaccida lies above the lateral [[process (anatomy)|process]] of the [[malleus]] between the [[Notch of Rivinus]] and the anterior and posterior malleal folds. Consisting of two layers and appearing slightly pinkish in hue, it is associated with{{vague|date=July 2018}} [[Eustachian tube]] dysfunction and [[cholesteatoma]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jain |first1=Shraddha |title=Role of Eustachian Dysfunction and Primary Sclerotic Mastoid Pneumatisation Pattern in Aetiology of Squamous Chronic Otitis Media: A Correlative Study |journal=Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery |year=2019 |volume=71 |issue=Suppl 2 |pages=1190–1196 |doi=10.1007/s12070-018-1259-x |pmid=31750149 |pmc=6841851 }}</ref>
The relatively fragile pars flaccida lies above the lateral [[process (anatomy)|process]] of the [[malleus]] between the [[Notch of Rivinus]] and the anterior and posterior malleal folds. Consisting of two layers and appearing slightly pinkish in hue, it is associated with{{vague|date=July 2018}} [[Eustachian tube]] dysfunction and [[cholesteatoma]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jain |first1=Shraddha |title=Role of Eustachian Dysfunction and Primary Sclerotic Mastoid Pneumatisation Pattern in Aetiology of Squamous Chronic Otitis Media: A Correlative Study |journal=Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery |year=2019 |volume=71 |issue=Suppl 2 |pages=1190–1196 |doi=10.1007/s12070-018-1259-x |pmid=31750149 |pmc=6841851 }}</ref>


The larger pars tensa consists of three layers: [[skin]], [[fibrous tissue]], and [[mucosa]]. Its thick periphery forms a [[fibrocartilage|fibrocartilaginous ring]] called the [[annulus tympanicus]] or Gerlach's ligament.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M8WgDwAAQBAJ&q=gerlach+ligament&pg=PA24|title=Comprehensive and Clinical Anatomy of the Middle Ear|last1=Mansour|first1=Salah|last2=Magnan|first2=Jacques|last3=Ahmad|first3=Hassan Haidar|last4=Nicolas|first4=Karen|last5=Louryan|first5=Stéphane|date=2019|publisher=Springer|isbn=9783030153632|language=en}}</ref> while the central [[umbo of the tympanic membrane|umbo]] tents inward at the level of the tip of malleus. The middle fibrous layer, containing radial, circular, and parabolic fibers, encloses the handle of malleus. Though comparatively robust, the pars tensa is the region more commonly associated with{{vague|date=July 2018}} perforations.<ref>{{cite journal | title=Endoscopic Anatomy of the Middle Ear |vauthors=Marchioni D, Molteni G, Presutti L | date=February 2011 | journal=Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg | volume=63 | issue = 2 | pages=101–13 | doi=10.1007/s12070-011-0159-0 | pmc=3102170 | pmid=22468244}}</ref>
The larger pars tensa consists of three layers: [[skin]], [[fibrous tissue]], and [[mucosa]]. Its thick periphery forms a [[fibrocartilage|fibrocartilaginous ring]] called the [[annulus tympanicus]] or Gerlach's ligament.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M8WgDwAAQBAJ&q=gerlach+ligament&pg=PA24|title=Comprehensive and Clinical Anatomy of the Middle Ear|last1=Mansour|first1=Salah|last2=Magnan|first2=Jacques|last3=Ahmad|first3=Hassan Haidar|last4=Nicolas|first4=Karen|last5=Louryan|first5=Stéphane|date=2019|publisher=Springer|isbn=9783030153632|language=en}}</ref> while the central [[umbo of the tympanic membrane|umbo]] tents inward at the level of the tip of malleus. The middle fibrous layer, containing radial, circular, and parabolic fibers, encloses the handle of malleus. Though comparatively robust, the pars tensa is the region more commonly associated with{{vague|date=July 2018}} perforations.<ref>{{cite journal | title=Endoscopic Anatomy of the Middle Ear |vauthors=Marchioni D, Molteni G, Presutti L | date=February 2011 | journal=Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg | volume=63 | issue = 2 | pages=101–13 | doi=10.1007/s12070-011-0159-0 | pmc=3102170 | pmid=22468244}}</ref>


===Umbo===
===Umbo===
The manubrium ({{lang-la|handle}}) of the [[malleus]] is firmly attached to the medial surface of the membrane as far as its center, drawing it toward the [[tympanic cavity]]. The lateral surface of the membrane is thus concave. The most depressed aspect of this concavity is termed the umbo ({{lang-la|[[shield boss]]}}).<ref>Gray's Anatomy (1918)</ref>
The manubrium (Latin for "handle") of the [[malleus]] is firmly attached to the medial surface of the membrane as far as its center, drawing it toward the [[tympanic cavity]]. The lateral surface of the membrane is thus concave. The most depressed aspect of this concavity is termed the umbo (Latin for "[[shield boss]]").<ref>Gray's Anatomy (1918)</ref>


===Nerve supply===
===Nerve supply===
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===Surgical puncture for treatment of middle ear infections===
===Surgical puncture for treatment of middle ear infections===
In some cases, the pressure of fluid in an infected middle ear is great enough to cause the eardrum to rupture naturally. Usually, this consists of a small hole (perforation), from which fluid can drain of the middle ear. If this does not occur naturally, a [[myringotomy]] (tympanotomy, tympanostomy) can be performed. A myringotomy is a [[surgery|surgical]] procedure in which a tiny incision is created in the eardrum to relieve pressure caused by excessive buildup of fluid, or to drain [[pus]] from the [[middle ear]]. The fluid or pus comes from a middle ear infection ([[otitis media]]), which is a common problem in children. A [[tympanostomy tube]] is inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged time and to prevent reaccumulation of fluid. Without the insertion of a tube, the incision usually heals spontaneously in two to three weeks. Depending on the type, the tube is either naturally extruded in 6 to 12 months or removed during a minor procedure.<ref name=Tube />
In some cases, the pressure of fluid in an infected middle ear is great enough to cause the eardrum to rupture naturally. Usually, this consists of a small hole (perforation), from which fluid can drain out of the middle ear. If this does not occur naturally, a [[myringotomy]] (tympanotomy, tympanostomy) can be performed. A myringotomy is a [[surgery|surgical]] procedure in which a tiny incision is created in the eardrum to relieve pressure caused by excessive buildup of fluid, or to drain [[pus]] from the [[middle ear]]. The fluid or pus comes from a middle ear infection ([[otitis media]]), which is a common problem in children. A [[tympanostomy tube]] is inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged time and to prevent reaccumulation of fluid. Without the insertion of a tube, the incision usually heals spontaneously in two to three weeks. Depending on the type, the tube is either naturally extruded in 6 to 12 months or removed during a minor procedure.<ref name=Tube />


Those requiring myringotomy usually have an obstructed or dysfunctional [[eustachian tube]] that is unable to perform drainage or ventilation in its usual fashion. Before the invention of antibiotics, myringotomy without tube placement was also used as a major treatment of severe acute otitis media.<ref name=Tube>{{cite journal | title=To tube or not to tube: indications for myringotomy with tube placement |vauthors=Smith N, Greinwald JR | year=2011 | journal=Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery | volume=19 | pages=363–366|pmid=21804383 | doi=10.1097/MOO.0b013e3283499fa8 | issue=5|s2cid=3027628 }}</ref>
Those requiring myringotomy usually have an obstructed or dysfunctional [[Eustachian tube]] that is unable to perform drainage or ventilation in its usual fashion. Before the invention of antibiotics, myringotomy without tube placement was also used as a major treatment of severe acute otitis media.<ref name=Tube>{{cite journal | title=To tube or not to tube: indications for myringotomy with tube placement |vauthors=Smith N, Greinwald JR | year=2011 | journal=Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery | volume=19 | pages=363–366|pmid=21804383 | doi=10.1097/MOO.0b013e3283499fa8 | issue=5|s2cid=3027628 }}</ref>


==Society and culture==
==Society and culture==
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File:Gray912.png|The right membrana tympani with the hammer and the chorda tympani, viewed from within, from behind, and from above
File:Gray912.png|The right membrana tympani with the hammer and the chorda tympani, viewed from within, from behind, and from above
File:Gray915.png|Auditory tube, laid open by a cut in its long axis
File:Gray915.png|Auditory tube, laid open by a cut in its long axis
File:Gray919.png|Chain of ossicles and their ligaments, seen from the front in a vertical, transverse section of the tympanum [tympanic cavity]
File:Gray919.png|Chain of ossicles and their ligaments, seen from the front in a vertical, transverse section of the tympanum (tympanic cavity)
File:Gray909.png|Right eardrum as seen through a speculum
File:Gray909.png|Right eardrum as seen through a speculum
File:Normal Left Tympanic Membrane.jpg|This is a normal left eardrum.
File:Normal Left Tympanic Membrane.jpg|This is a normal left eardrum.

Revision as of 19:28, 29 July 2024

Eardrum
Right eardrum as seen through a speculum
Details
Identifiers
Latinmembrana tympanica; myringa
MeSHD014432
TA98A15.3.01.052
TA26870
FMA9595
Anatomical terminology

In the anatomy of humans and various other tetrapods, the eardrum, also called the tympanic membrane or myringa, is a thin, cone-shaped membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear. Its function is to transmit sound from the air to the ossicles inside the middle ear, and thence to the oval window in the fluid-filled cochlea. The ear thereby converts and amplifies vibration in the air to vibration in cochlear fluid.[1] The malleus bone bridges the gap between the eardrum and the other ossicles.[2]

Rupture or perforation of the eardrum can lead to conductive hearing loss. Collapse or retraction of the eardrum can cause conductive hearing loss or cholesteatoma.

Structure

Orientation and relations

The tympanic membrane is oriented obliquely in the anteroposterior, mediolateral, and superoinferior planes. Consequently, its superoposterior end lies lateral to its anteroinferior end.[citation needed]

Anatomically, it relates superiorly to the middle cranial fossa, posteriorly to the ossicles and facial nerve, inferiorly to the parotid gland, and anteriorly to the temporomandibular joint.[citation needed]

Regions

The eardrum is divided into two general regions: the pars flaccida and the pars tensa.[3] The relatively fragile pars flaccida lies above the lateral process of the malleus between the Notch of Rivinus and the anterior and posterior malleal folds. Consisting of two layers and appearing slightly pinkish in hue, it is associated with[vague] Eustachian tube dysfunction and cholesteatomas.[4]

The larger pars tensa consists of three layers: skin, fibrous tissue, and mucosa. Its thick periphery forms a fibrocartilaginous ring called the annulus tympanicus or Gerlach's ligament.[5] while the central umbo tents inward at the level of the tip of malleus. The middle fibrous layer, containing radial, circular, and parabolic fibers, encloses the handle of malleus. Though comparatively robust, the pars tensa is the region more commonly associated with[vague] perforations.[6]

Umbo

The manubrium (Latin for "handle") of the malleus is firmly attached to the medial surface of the membrane as far as its center, drawing it toward the tympanic cavity. The lateral surface of the membrane is thus concave. The most depressed aspect of this concavity is termed the umbo (Latin for "shield boss").[7]

Nerve supply

Sensation of the outer surface of the tympanic membrane is supplied mainly by the auriculotemporal nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (cranial nerve V3), with contributions from the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X), the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), and possibly the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX). The inner surface of the tympanic membrane is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve.[8]

Clinical significance

Examination

When the eardrum is illuminated during a medical examination, a cone of light radiates from the tip of the malleus to the periphery in the anteroinferior quadrant, this is what is known clinically as 5 o'clock.[citation needed]

Rupture

Unintentional perforation (rupture) has been described in blast injuries[9] and air travel, typically in patients experiencing upper respiratory congestion or general Eustachian tube dysfunction that prevents equalization of pressure in the middle ear.[10] It is also known to occur in swimming, diving (including scuba diving),[11] and martial arts.[12]

Patients with tympanic membrane rupture may experience bleeding, tinnitus, hearing loss, or disequilibrium (vertigo). However, they rarely require medical intervention, as between 80 and 95 percent of ruptures recover completely within two to four weeks.[13][14][15] The prognosis becomes more guarded as the force of injury increases.[15]

Surgical puncture for treatment of middle ear infections

In some cases, the pressure of fluid in an infected middle ear is great enough to cause the eardrum to rupture naturally. Usually, this consists of a small hole (perforation), from which fluid can drain out of the middle ear. If this does not occur naturally, a myringotomy (tympanotomy, tympanostomy) can be performed. A myringotomy is a surgical procedure in which a tiny incision is created in the eardrum to relieve pressure caused by excessive buildup of fluid, or to drain pus from the middle ear. The fluid or pus comes from a middle ear infection (otitis media), which is a common problem in children. A tympanostomy tube is inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged time and to prevent reaccumulation of fluid. Without the insertion of a tube, the incision usually heals spontaneously in two to three weeks. Depending on the type, the tube is either naturally extruded in 6 to 12 months or removed during a minor procedure.[16]

Those requiring myringotomy usually have an obstructed or dysfunctional Eustachian tube that is unable to perform drainage or ventilation in its usual fashion. Before the invention of antibiotics, myringotomy without tube placement was also used as a major treatment of severe acute otitis media.[16]

Society and culture

The Bajau people of the Pacific intentionally rupture their eardrums at an early age to facilitate diving and hunting at sea. Many older Bajau therefore have difficulties hearing.[17]

See also

Additional images

References

Public domain This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1039 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. ^ Hilal, Fathi; Liaw, Jeffrey; Cousins, Joseph P.; Rivera, Arnaldo L.; Nada, Ayman (2023-04-01). "Autoincudotomy as an uncommon etiology of conductive hearing loss: Case report and review of literature". Radiology Case Reports. 18 (4): 1461–1465. doi:10.1016/j.radcr.2022.10.097. ISSN 1930-0433. PMC 9925837. PMID 36798057.
  2. ^ Purves, D; Augustine, G; Fitzpatrick, D; Hall, W; LaMantia, A; White, L; et al., eds. (2012). Neuroscience. Sunderland: Sinauer. ISBN 9780878936953.
  3. ^ Gilberto, Nelson; Santos, Ricardo; Sousa, Pedro; O’Neill, Assunção; Escada, Pedro; Pais, Diogo (August 2019). "Pars tensa and tympanicomalleal joint: proposal for a new anatomic classification". European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 276 (8): 2141–2148. doi:10.1007/s00405-019-05434-4. PMID 31004197. S2CID 123959777.
  4. ^ Jain, Shraddha (2019). "Role of Eustachian Dysfunction and Primary Sclerotic Mastoid Pneumatisation Pattern in Aetiology of Squamous Chronic Otitis Media: A Correlative Study". Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. 71 (Suppl 2): 1190–1196. doi:10.1007/s12070-018-1259-x. PMC 6841851. PMID 31750149.
  5. ^ Mansour, Salah; Magnan, Jacques; Ahmad, Hassan Haidar; Nicolas, Karen; Louryan, Stéphane (2019). Comprehensive and Clinical Anatomy of the Middle Ear. Springer. ISBN 9783030153632.
  6. ^ Marchioni D, Molteni G, Presutti L (February 2011). "Endoscopic Anatomy of the Middle Ear". Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 63 (2): 101–13. doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0159-0. PMC 3102170. PMID 22468244.
  7. ^ Gray's Anatomy (1918)
  8. ^ Drake, Richard L., A. Wade Vogl, and Adam Mitchell. Gray's Anatomy For Students. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone, 2015. Print. pg. 969
  9. ^ Ritenour AE, Wickley A, Retinue JS, Kriete BR, Blackbourne LH, Holcomb JB, Wade CE (February 2008). "Tympanic membrane perforation and hearing loss from blast overpressure in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom wounded". J Trauma. 64 (2 Suppl): S174-8. doi:10.1097/ta.0b013e318160773e. PMID 18376162.
  10. ^ Mirza S, Richardson H (May 2005). "Otic barotrauma from air travel". J Laryngol Otol. 119 (5): 366–70. doi:10.1258/0022215053945723. PMID 15949100. S2CID 45256115.
  11. ^ Green SM; Rothrock SG; Green EA= (October 1993). "Tympanometric evaluation of middle ear barotrauma during recreational scuba diving". Int J Sports Med. 14 (7): 411–5. doi:10.1055/s-2007-1021201. PMID 8244609.
  12. ^ Fields JD, McKeag DB, Turner JL (February 2008). "Traumatic tympanic membrane rupture in a mixed martial arts competition". Current Sports Med Rep. 7 (1): 10–11. doi:10.1097/01.CSMR.0000308672.53182.3b. PMID 18296937. S2CID 205388185.
  13. ^ Kristensen S (December 1992). "Spontaneous healing of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations in man: a century of experience". J Laryngol Otol. 106 (12): 1037–50. doi:10.1017/s0022215100121723. PMID 1487657. S2CID 21899785.
  14. ^ Lindeman P, Edström S, Granström G, Jacobsson S, von Sydow C, Westin T, Aberg B (December 1987). "Acute traumatic tympanic membrane perforations. Cover or observe?". Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 113 (12): 1285–7. doi:10.1001/archotol.1987.01860120031002. PMID 3675893.
  15. ^ a b Garth RJ (July 1995). "Blast injury of the ear: an overview and guide to management". Injury. 26 (6): 363–6. doi:10.1016/0020-1383(95)00042-8. PMID 7558254.
  16. ^ a b Smith N, Greinwald JR (2011). "To tube or not to tube: indications for myringotomy with tube placement". Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery. 19 (5): 363–366. doi:10.1097/MOO.0b013e3283499fa8. PMID 21804383. S2CID 3027628.
  17. ^ Langenheim, Johnny (18 September 2010). "The last of the sea nomads". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 February 2016.