Trummiõõne

Trummiõõne, also known as the middle ear, is an air-filled cavity located within the temporal bone of the skull. It is separated from the external ear canal by the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, and from the inner ear by the oval and round windows. The primary function of the middle ear is to efficiently transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the fluid-filled inner ear.

Within the trummiõõne are three small bones called ossicles: the malleus, incus, and stapes. The malleus, attached to the eardrum, receives sound vibrations and transmits them to the incus. The incus then passes these vibrations to the stapes, which is connected to the oval window. This chain of ossicles amplifies the sound vibrations, ensuring that they are strong enough to stimulate the sensory cells in the cochlea of the inner ear.

The trummiõõne is connected to the nasopharynx by the auditory tube, also known as the Eustachian tube. This tube plays a crucial role in equalizing the air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. When pressure differences occur, such as during changes in altitude, the auditory tube opens to allow air to enter or leave the middle ear, preventing discomfort and damage to the eardrum. The trummiõõne is lined with a mucous membrane and contains small muscles that help to regulate the tension of the ossicles. Infections of the middle ear, commonly known as otitis media, can affect hearing and cause pain.