Anatomy of the Middle EarThe middle ear, an air-filled cavity, includes the tympanicmembrane laterally and the otic capsule medially. The middleear cleft lies between the two. The middle ear is connected bythe eustachian tube to the nasopharynx and is continuous withair-filled cells in the adjacent mastoid portion of the temporalbone. The eustachian tube, which is approximately 1 mm wideand 35 mm long, connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx.Normally, the eustachian tube is closed, but it opens by actionof the tensor veli palatini muscle when the person performs aValsalva maneuver, yawns, or swallows. It drains normal andabnormal secretions of the middle ear and equalizes pressurein the middle ear with that of the atmosphere.6
Anatomy of the Middle Ear The middle ear, an air-filled cavity, includes the tympanic membrane laterally and the otic capsule medially. The middle ear cleft lies between the two. The middle ear is connected by the eustachian tube to the nasopharynx and is continuous with air-filled cells in the adjacent mastoid portion of the temporal bone. The eustachian tube, which is approximately 1 mm wide and 35 mm long, connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. Normally, the eustachian tube is closed, but it opens by action of the tensor veli palatini muscle when the person performs a Valsalva maneuver, yawns, or swallows. It drains normal and abnormal secretions of the middle ear and equalizes pressure in the middle ear with that of the atmosphere. 6
Eustachian Tube: The eustachian tube connects the front wallof the middle ear with the nasopharynx: The eustachian tube also operates like avalve, which opens during swallowing andyawning- This equalizes the pressure on either side of theeardrum, which is necessary for optimal hearing- Without this function, a difference between thestatic pressure in the middle ear and the outsidepressuremay develop, causing theeardrum todisplaceinwardoroutward.This reduces theefficiency of the middle ear and lessacoustic energy will be transmitted to the inner ear
Eustachian Tube • The eustachian tube connects the front wall of the middle ear with the nasopharynx • The eustachian tube also operates like a valve, which opens during swallowing and yawning – This equalizes the pressure on either side of the eardrum, which is necessary for optimal hearing. – Without this function, a difference between the static pressure in the middle ear and the outside pressure may develop, causing the eardrum to displace inward or outward • This reduces the efficiency of the middle ear and less acoustic energy will be transmitted to the inner ear