keskkõrv

Keskkõrv is the Estonian term for the middle ear. It is an air-filled cavity located just behind the eardrum. The middle ear's primary function is to transmit sound vibrations from the outer ear to the inner ear. This process is crucial for hearing.

Within the middle ear are three tiny bones, collectively known as the ossicles: the malleus, incus, and stapes. The malleus, or hammer, is attached to the eardrum and vibrates when sound waves strike it. These vibrations are then passed to the incus, or anvil, and subsequently to the stapes, or stirrup. The stapes is connected to the oval window, an opening that leads to the inner ear. The movement of the stapes against the oval window transmits the sound vibrations into the fluid-filled cochlea of the inner ear, where they are converted into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound.

The middle ear also contains the Eustachian tube, a narrow passageway that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat. The Eustachian tube serves to equalize pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment, which is essential for proper eardrum function. It also drains any accumulated fluid from the middle ear. Infections of the middle ear, commonly known as otitis media, can affect hearing and are a frequent ailment, especially in children.