tärykalvossa

Tärykalvo, also known as the eardrum or tympanic membrane, is a thin, cone-shaped membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear. It is located at the end of the ear canal. The primary function of the tärykalvo is to transmit sound vibrations from the air to the ossicles, the small bones of the middle ear. When sound waves enter the ear canal, they strike the tärykalvo, causing it to vibrate. The frequency and amplitude of the sound waves determine the rate and extent of these vibrations.

The structure of the tärykalvo is crucial for its function. It consists of three layers: an outer layer of skin, a middle layer of fibrous tissue, and an inner layer of mucous membrane. This layered structure allows it to be flexible enough to vibrate with sound but also strong enough to withstand pressure changes. The tärykalvo is sensitive to a wide range of sound frequencies.

When the tärykalvo vibrates, it sets the ossicles—the malleus, incus, and stapes—into motion. The stapes, the innermost ossicle, then transmits these vibrations to the oval window, an opening into the inner ear. From there, the vibrations are converted into electrical signals that are sent to the brain for interpretation as sound. Damage to the tärykalvo, such as from infection or trauma, can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus.