External auditory canal
External Auditory Canal
The External Auditory Canal (pronunciation: /ɪkˈstɜːrnl ˈɔːdɪtɔːri kæˈnæl/), also known as the External Ear Canal or External Acoustic Meatus, is a tube running from the outer ear to the middle ear.
Etymology
The term "External Auditory Canal" is derived from the Latin words "externus" meaning "outside", "audire" meaning "to hear", and "canalis" meaning "channel or pipe".
Anatomy
The External Auditory Canal is approximately 2.5 centimeters long in adults and is made up of two parts: the outer one-third, which is cartilaginous, and the inner two-thirds, which is bony and lined with skin producing cerumen (ear wax). The canal's primary function is to protect the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and convey sound to it.
Related Terms
- Tympanic Membrane: The eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear.
- Cerumen: Also known as ear wax, a substance produced in the ear canal to protect the ear from dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms.
- Otitis Externa: An inflammation of the external auditory canal, also known as swimmer's ear.
- Audiology: The branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on External auditory canal
- Wikipedia's article - External auditory canal
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