kuulokäytävää

Kuulokäytävä, also known as the external auditory canal or external acoustic meatus, is a tube that connects the outer ear to the eardrum. It is about 2.5 centimeters long and 0.7 centimeters in diameter in adults. The outer third of the kuulokäytävä is made of cartilage, while the inner two-thirds are bony. This canal plays a crucial role in hearing by directing sound waves from the environment towards the tympanic membrane.

The skin lining the kuulokäytävä contains specialized glands called ceruminous glands and sebaceous glands. These glands produce cerumen, commonly known as earwax, and sebum. Earwax is a sticky substance that traps dust, dirt, and other foreign particles, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, offering protection against infections. The natural migration of skin cells from the eardrum outwards helps to carry accumulated earwax and debris out of the canal.

The shape and structure of the kuulokäytävä are important for efficient sound transmission. Its slightly curved nature can help to protect the eardrum from direct injury and also contributes to the localization of sound sources. Inflammation of the kuulokäytävä is known as otitis externa, often referred to as swimmer's ear, which can be caused by water trapped in the ear canal leading to bacterial or fungal infections. Proper hygiene practices, such as avoiding the insertion of objects into the ear, are recommended to maintain the health of the kuulokäytävä.