- Eardrum
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For other uses, see Eardrum (disambiguation).
Eardrum 
Anatomy of the human ear. 
Right tympanic membrane as seen through a speculum. Latin membrana tympani Gray's subject #230 1039 MeSH Tympanic+Membrane+Lydia Dorlands/Elsevier Tympanic membrane The eardrum, or tympanic membrane, is a thin membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear in humans and other tetrapods. Its function is to transmit sound from the air to the ossicles inside the middle ear. The malleus bone bridges the gap between the eardrum and the other ossicles. Rupture or perforation of the eardrum can lead to conductive hearing loss.
Contents
Intentional rupture
The Bajau people of the Pacific intentionally rupture their eardrums at an early age in order to facilitate diving and hunting at sea. Many older Bajau are therefore hard of hearing.[1]
Gallery
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External and middle ear, opened from the front. Right side.
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Horizontal section through left ear; upper half of section.
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The right membrana tympani with the hammer and the chorda tympani, viewed from within, from behind, and from above.
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Auditory tube, laid open by a cut in its long axis.
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Chain of ossicles and their ligaments, seen from the front in a vertical, transverse section of the tympanum.
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Right tympanic membrane as seen through a speculum.
References
External links
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