What is the tympanic membrane and where is it located?

The tympanic membrane (or eardrum) is a thin, semitransparent membrane that separates the external auditory meatus from the middle ear. It is inclined at about 55° and faces downwards, forwards, and laterally.

What are the layers of the tympanic membrane?

The tympanic membrane has three layers from lateral to medial: Outer cuticular layer (stratified squamous epithelium), middle fibrous layer (with radial and circular fibers), and inner mucosal layer (low columnar epithelium).

What are the parts of the tympanic membrane?

The tympanic membrane consists of two main parts: Pars tensa (the thick, taut part) and pars flaccida (a lax upper area also known as Shrapnell's membrane).

What is the blood and nerve supply to the tympanic membrane?

Blood supply includes arteries like the deep auricular and anterior/posterior tympanic arteries, with venous drainage to the external jugular vein and transverse sinus. Nerve supply involves the auriculotemporal nerve, auricular branch of vagus, and tympanic branch of glossopharyngeal nerve.

How is the tympanic membrane examined clinically?

During an otoscopic examination, the membrane appears pearly gray with a cone of light in the anteroinferior quadrant, and ossicles may be visible behind it.

What is a myringotomy and where is it performed?

A myringotomy is an incision made in the posteroinferior quadrant of the tympanic membrane to drain middle ear pus, avoiding the chorda tympani nerve.

How does the tympanic membrane develop embryologically?

The tympanic membrane develops from the first pharyngeal membrane, with ectoderm forming the outer layer, mesoderm forming the middle layer, and endoderm forming the inner layer.

Tympanic Membrane – Structure & Otoscopy

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