Tensor tympani
Tensor Tympani
The Tensor Tympani (pronounced: ten-sor tim-pan-ee) is a small muscle located within the middle ear that plays a crucial role in the auditory system of humans and other mammals.
Etymology
The term "Tensor Tympani" is derived from Latin, where "tensor" means "stretcher" and "tympani" refers to "drum". Thus, the name can be translated as "the stretcher of the drum", which accurately describes the muscle's function in tensing the tympanic membrane or eardrum.
Function
The primary function of the Tensor Tympani is to dampen the vibrations of the tympanic membrane in response to loud sounds, thereby protecting the inner ear from potential damage. This is achieved by pulling the handle of the malleus inwards, which in turn tenses the tympanic membrane and reduces its ability to vibrate.
Anatomy
The Tensor Tympani originates from the Eustachian tube, also known as the auditory tube, and the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. It inserts into the handle of the malleus, one of the three tiny bones in the middle ear. The muscle is innervated by the medial pterygoid nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve.
Related Terms
- Middle ear: The portion of the ear internal to the eardrum, and external to the oval window of the inner ear.
- Tympanic membrane: Also known as the eardrum, it vibrates in response to sound waves and transmits these vibrations to the ossicles.
- Malleus: One of the three ossicles in the middle ear, it receives vibrations from the tympanic membrane and transmits them to the incus.
- Eustachian tube: A tube that links the pharynx to the middle ear, it is responsible for equalizing pressure in the middle ear.
- Sphenoid bone: A bone located at the base of the skull, it forms part of the orbit of the eye.
- Medial pterygoid nerve: A branch of the mandibular nerve, it provides sensory innervation to parts of the face and mouth.
- Mandibular nerve: The largest of the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve, it supplies the teeth and gums of the lower jaw.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tensor tympani
- Wikipedia's article - Tensor tympani
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