kõrvakanali

The kõrvakanal, known in English as the external auditory canal, is a tube that conducts sound from the outer ear to the tympanic membrane. In adults it measures about 2.5 cm in length and lies within the temporal bone. It consists of a lateral cartilaginous portion and a medial bony portion, with a transition near the tympanic membrane.

The canal’s lining includes skin with hair follicles and ceruminous glands in the cartilaginous part, and thinner skin in the bony part. Sebaceous glands are also present. Cerumen, or earwax, is produced by these glands to trap dust and lubricate the canal. Cerumen and skin cells are normally migratory, moving outward toward the opening of the ear with jaw movements and skin turnover, helping keep the canal clear.

Functionally, the kõrvakanal protects the middle ear by filtering and dampening sounds, providing lubrication, and trapping foreign material. It also contributes to a small amount of natural amplification through resonance, which tends to enhance certain mid-range frequencies around 2–3 kHz.

Nerve supply and blood flow come from branches of the trigeminal and vagus nerves for sensation, with blood supplied mainly by arteries such as the deep auricular artery. The canal is susceptible to conditions such as otitis externa (infection of the canal), cerumen impaction, and foreign bodies, particularly if the canal is scratched or disturbed by aggressive cleaning.

Overall, the kõrvakanal plays a crucial role in hearing, protection, and ear health by guiding sound, maintaining a protective environment, and facilitating wax-based defense mechanisms.