Välikorva

Välikorva is a Finnish term that translates to "middle ear" in English. It refers to the part of the ear located between the outer ear and the inner ear. Anatomically, the middle ear is an air-filled cavity within the temporal bone of the skull. It begins at the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and ends at the oval window, which leads to the cochlea of the inner ear.

The primary function of the middle ear is to transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. This is achieved through a chain of three small bones called ossicles: the malleus (hammer), the incus (anvil), and the stapes (stirrup). The malleus is attached to the eardrum, the incus connects the malleus to the stapes, and the stapes is fitted into the oval window. When sound waves cause the eardrum to vibrate, these vibrations are amplified and passed along the ossicular chain to the inner ear, where they are converted into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain for interpretation as sound.

The middle ear also plays a role in regulating pressure. The Eustachian tube, also known as the auditory tube, connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. This tube normally opens during swallowing or yawning, allowing air to enter or leave the middle ear, thereby equalizing the pressure on both sides of the eardrum. This pressure equalization is crucial for maintaining the eardrum's mobility and efficient sound transmission. Conditions affecting the välikorva, such as otitis media (middle ear infection), can impair hearing and cause discomfort.