Kuulmisjuha

Kuulmisjuha, also known as the auditory canal or external auditory meatus, is a crucial part of the human ear responsible for transmitting sound waves from the outer environment to the eardrum. It is a tube-like structure that extends from the auricle (the visible outer ear) inward to the tympanic membrane. The length of the kuulmisjuha in adults is approximately 2.5 centimeters and it has a diameter of about 0.7 centimeters.

The walls of the kuulmisjuha are composed of cartilage in its outer third and bone in its inner two-thirds. Scattered throughout the skin lining the canal are specialized glands called ceruminous glands and sebaceous glands. These glands produce cerumen, commonly known as earwax, which serves protective functions. Earwax helps to trap dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. It also possesses antimicrobial properties and keeps the skin of the canal moisturized.

The shape of the kuulmisjuha is slightly curved, which helps to amplify certain frequencies of sound and also contributes to the protection of the delicate structures within the middle and inner ear. Any obstruction or inflammation within the kuulmisjuha can significantly impair hearing and may lead to discomfort or pain. Medical professionals examine the kuulmisjuha during a routine ear examination to assess the health of the outer ear and the tympanic membrane.