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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 hollow in the tympanic cavity and Eustachian tube. In a high-altitude environment or on diving into water, there will be a pressure difference between the middle ear and the outside environment. This pressure will pose a risk of bursting or otherwise damaging the tympanum (eardrum) if it is not relieved.
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.
The ear is built to function like a "conveyor belt" by sloughing off dead skin and earwax that naturally pushes its way out. ... For those with Eustachian tube dysfunction, their ear has a hard ...
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.
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.
The tympanic nerve (Jacobson's nerve) is a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve passing through the petrous part of the temporal bone to reach the middle ear.It provides sensory innervation for the middle ear, the Eustachian tube, the parotid gland, and mastoid cells.
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.