Tympanic Membrane

Tympanic Membrane

The Tympanic Membrane, 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.

Anatomy

The tympanic membrane is a thin membrane that is approximately 10 mm in diameter. It is made up of three layers: the outermost layer, which is in contact with the ear canal; the middle fibrous layer, which is the strongest and most important for sound transmission; and the innermost layer, which is in contact with the middle ear.

Function

The primary function of the tympanic membrane is to transmit sound. When sound waves enter the ear, they strike the tympanic membrane. The energy of the sound wave vibrates the tympanic membrane, which in turn vibrates the three small bones, or ossicles, in the middle ear. These vibrations are then transmitted to the cochlea, where they are converted into electrical signals and sent to the brain.

Clinical significance

Damage to the tympanic membrane can result in hearing loss. This can occur as a result of trauma, infection, or exposure to loud noise. Treatment for a damaged tympanic membrane may include surgery to repair the membrane or replace the ossicles.

See also

• Otitis media
• Tympanoplasty
• Tympanostomy tube

References

  Diseases of the ear and mastoid process 

Outer ear

• Otitis externa
• Otomycosis

Middle ear
and mastoid

• Otitis media
• Mastoiditis 
  • Bezold's abscess
  • Gradenigo's syndrome
• Tympanosclerosis

• Cholesteatoma
• Perforated eardrum

Inner ear and
central pathways

Equilibrioception	Vertigo/Balance disorder: peripheral  Ménière's disease BPPV Vestibular neuronitis (Labyrinthitis) Perilymph fistula central (Central positional nystagmus)
Hearing	Hearing impairment Conductive hearing loss  Otosclerosis Superior canal dehiscence Sensorineural hearing loss  Presbycusis Cortical deafness Nonsyndromic deafness Excessive response Tinnitus Hyperacusis/Phonophobia Deafblindness Wolfram syndrome Usher syndrome Other Auditory processing disorder Spatial hearing loss

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