tympanum
Quick Summary
The term "tympanum" has multiple meanings. In anatomy, it most commonly refers to the tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum. This thin, semitransparent membrane separates the outer ear from the middle ear and vibrates when struck by sound waves, transmitting these vibrations to the tiny bones of the middle ear. The tympanic membrane consists of three layers and is crucial for hearing and diagnosing middle-ear conditions.12
In architecture, the tympanum refers to the recessed space within a pediment or the area between a doorway's lintel and the arch above it, often decorated with sculpture.34
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