tympanic annulus
Quick Summary
The tympanic annulus is an incomplete ring of bone that encircles and supports the tympanic membrane, commonly known as the eardrum. This bony ring holds the tympanic membrane in place at the end of the external auditory canal, forming the boundary between the outer and middle ear. The tympanic membrane itself is a thin, cone-shaped layer of tissue that vibrates when struck by sound waves, transmitting these vibrations to the auditory ossicles in the middle ear. The annulus is crucial for maintaining the tension and proper positioning of the tympanic membrane, which is essential for hearing.123
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