Foramen tympanicum

Foramen Tympanicum

The Foramen Tympanicum, also known as the Tympanic Foramen or Huschke's Foramen, is a small opening in the temporal bone of the human skull. It is named after the German anatomist Emil Huschke, who first described it in the 19th century.

The Foramen Tympanicum is located in the temporal bone of the skull.

Anatomy

The Foramen Tympanicum is located in the anterior part of the external acoustic meatus, or the outer ear canal. It is a small, round opening that leads to the middle ear. In some individuals, the Foramen Tympanicum may be absent or may close during early childhood.

Function

The primary function of the Foramen Tympanicum is to allow the passage of the auriculotemporal nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve, which is itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve. This nerve provides sensory innervation to the ear and the area around it.

Clinical Significance

In some cases, the Foramen Tympanicum may remain open in adults, a condition known as patent Foramen Tympanicum. This can potentially allow infectious agents to enter the middle ear, leading to otitis media or middle ear infection.

See Also

• Temporal bone
• Middle ear
• Auriculotemporal nerve
• Mandibular nerve
• Trigeminal nerve
• Otitis media