Tympanic canaliculus

Anatomical feature of the temporal bone

The tympanic canaliculus is a small anatomical feature located in the temporal bone of the human skull. It plays a crucial role in the passage of the tympanic nerve, which is a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX). This canaliculus is an important structure in the context of ear anatomy and neuroanatomy.

Anatomy

The tympanic canaliculus is situated in the petrous part of the temporal bone. It begins at the inferior surface of the temporal bone, near the jugular fossa, and extends upward to the middle ear cavity. The canaliculus provides a pathway for the tympanic nerve to enter the middle ear.

Location

The tympanic canaliculus is located between the jugular foramen and the carotid canal. It is positioned posterior to the cochlear aqueduct and anterior to the mastoid process. This precise location is significant for surgeons and clinicians who work in the region of the temporal bone.

Structure

The canaliculus is a narrow, bony channel that is lined with a thin layer of mucosa. It is part of the complex network of canals and foramina that allow for the passage of nerves and vessels through the temporal bone. The tympanic nerve, which traverses this canaliculus, carries parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland and sensory fibers to the tympanic cavity.

Function

The primary function of the tympanic canaliculus is to serve as a conduit for the tympanic nerve. This nerve is responsible for providing sensory innervation to the mucosa of the middle ear and the Eustachian tube. Additionally, it carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that eventually synapse in the otic ganglion, contributing to the innervation of the parotid gland.

Clinical significance

The tympanic canaliculus is of clinical importance in various medical procedures and conditions. In surgery involving the temporal bone, such as mastoidectomy or tympanoplasty, knowledge of the canaliculus's location is essential to avoid nerve damage. Additionally, inflammation or infection in the middle ear, such as otitis media, can affect the tympanic nerve, leading to referred pain or altered sensation.

Related pages

• Temporal bone
• Glossopharyngeal nerve
• Middle ear
• Otitis media
• Parotid gland

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