tensor tympani
Quick Summary
The tensor tympani is one of two tiny muscles located in the middle ear. This muscle originates from a bony canal above the eustachian tube and runs backward. Its tendon attaches to the malleus, and when it contracts, it increases the tension of the tympanic membrane. This action helps to dampen loud noises by stabilizing the eardrum. The other middle-ear muscle is the stapedius, which works to reduce sound intensity by tipping the stapes backward.12
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One, the tensor tympani, is attached to the handle of the malleus (itself attached to the eardrum membrane) and by its contraction tends to draw the malleus inward, thus increasing drum membrane tension. The second, called stapedius, tends to pull the footplate of the stapes out of…
Read MoreOne, the tensor tympani, is attached to the handle of the malleus (itself attached to the eardrum membrane) and by its contraction tends to draw the malleus inward, thus increasing drum membrane tension. The second, called stapedius, tends to pull the footplate of the stapes out of…
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human earFunction of the muscles of the middle ear…of the middle ear, the tensor tympani and the stapedius, can influence the transmission of sound by the ossicular chain. Contraction of the tensor tympani pulls the handle of the malleus inward and, as the name of the muscle suggests, tenses the tympanic membrane. Contraction of the stapedius pulls the…
Read More…of the middle ear, the tensor tympani and the stapedius, can influence the transmission of sound by the ossicular chain. Contraction of the tensor tympani pulls the handle of the malleus inward and, as the name of the muscle suggests, tenses the tympanic membrane. Contraction of the stapedius pulls the…
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