tympanic cavity

Tympanic cavity
The cochlea and vestibule, viewed from above. (Tympanic cavity labeled at upper right.)
Malleus Tensor Tympani Incus Stapedius Labyrinth Stapes Auditory Canal Tympanic Membrane (Ear Drum) Eustachian Tube Tympanic cavity
Bones and muscles in the tympanic cavity in the middle ear
Latin	cavitas tympani
Gray's	subject #230 1037
Artery	stylomastoid artery
Precursor	first pharyngeal pouch

The tympanic cavity is a small cavity surrounding the bones of the middle ear.

It is formed from the tubotympanic sulcus, an expansion of the first pharyngeal pouch.

It is mostly surrounded by the bony labyrinth, except on its lateral surface, where it abuts the external auditory meatus from which it is separated by the tympanic membrane (eardrum).

Clinical significance

If damaged, the tympanic membrane can be repaired in a procedure called tympanoplasty.

Should fluid accumulate within the middle ear as the result of infection or for some other reason, it can be drained by puncturing the tympanic membrane with a small bore needle (tympanocentesis).

See also

• Middle ear

Additional images

External and middle ear, opened from the front. Right side.

Horizontal section through left ear; upper half of section.

External links

• Tympanic+cavity at eMedicine Dictionary
• http://www.dartmouth.edu/~humananatomy/figures/chapter_44/44-5.HTM

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