The tympanic membrane, or eardrum, is a thin, oval, cone-shaped membrane about 9-10 mm across that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. The handle of the malleus is attached to its inner surface, creating the central dimple called the umbo. It has a tense lower part (pars tensa) and a small, slack upper part (pars flaccida).
| Location | Medial end of the external acoustic meatus, forming most of the lateral wall of the middle ear |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Auriculotemporal nerve and auricular branch of the vagus (outer surface); Tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (inner surface) |
| Blood Supply | Deep auricular artery; Anterior tympanic artery; Stylomastoid branch of the posterior auricular artery |
Vibrates in response to sound and passes the vibrations to the ossicles, while sealing the middle ear from the outside.
Otoscopy shows a pearly grey drum with a cone of light pointing forward and down. A red, bulging drum suggests acute otitis media, while a dull, retracted drum with fluid suggests glue ear. Retraction pockets in the pars flaccida can lead to cholesteatoma. Most small traumatic perforations heal on their own within weeks.
A hole in the eardrum from infection, pressure change (barotrauma), a blow to the ear or objects in the canal. It causes conductive hearing loss and often heals spontaneously.
Middle ear infection with a red, bulging eardrum, ear pain and fever, most common in young children.
Inflammation of the eardrum itself, sometimes with fluid blisters (bullous myringitis), causing sudden severe ear pain.
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