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The Eustachian tube (/ j uː ˈ s t eɪ ʃ ən /), also called the auditory tube or pharyngotympanic tube, [1] is a tube that links the nasopharynx to the middle ear, of which it is also a part. In adult humans, the Eustachian tube is approximately 35 mm (1.4 in) long and 3 mm (0.12 in) in diameter. [ 2 ]
The middle ear is the portion of the ear medial to the eardrum, and distal to the oval window of the cochlea (of the inner ear).. The mammalian middle ear contains three ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes), which transfer the vibrations of the eardrum into waves in the fluid and membranes of the inner ear.
The torus tubarius (or torus of the auditory tube) is an elevation of the mucous membrane of the nasal part of the pharynx formed by the underlying base of the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube (auditory tube). The torus tubarius is situated behind the pharyngeal orifice of the auditory tube. [1]
The middle ear also connects to the upper throat at the nasopharynx via the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube. [3] [11] The three ossicles transmit sound from the outer ear to the inner ear. The malleus receives vibrations from sound pressure on the eardrum, where it is connected at its longest part (the manubrium or handle) by a ligament.
Kids are also more prone to ear infections given their ear anatomy, she says. In children, the eustachian tubes that connect the nose and throat to the middle ear are smaller and flatter than ...
Ostmann's pad of fat (Ostmann fatty bodies) is a thin triangular layer of fatty tissue found in the Eustachian tube of the ear. It is seen on the lateral side of the cartilaginous part of Eustachian tube. [1] Its function is to keep the tube closed and thereby protect it from reflux of nasopharyngeal secretions.
It arises from the lower part of the cartilage of the Eustachian tube, [1] and inserts into the palatopharyngeus muscle by blending with its posterior fasciculus. It is innervated by vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) via the pharyngeal plexus. It raises the pharynx and larynx during deglutition (swallowing) and laterally draws the pharyngeal walls up.
The tensor veli palatini muscle (tensor palati or tensor muscle of the velum palatinum) is a thin, triangular muscle of the head that tenses the soft palate and opens the Eustachian tube to equalise pressure in the middle ear.