Canaliculus tympanicus is a medical term that refers to a small channel found in the temporal bone of the skull. The word "canaliculus" is pronounced /ˌkænəˈlɪkjʊləs/ (kan-uh-lik-yuh-luhs) and comes from the Latin word "canalis", which means "a channel or pipe." "Tympanicus" (/tɪmˈpænɪkəs/) is also derived from Latin and means "pertaining to the eardrum." So, the word "canaliculus tympanicus" can be phonetically spelled as /ˌkænəˈlɪkjʊləs tɪmˈpænɪkəs/ (kan-uh-lik-yuh-luhs tim-pan-ih-ku
The term "canaliculus tympanicus" refers to a small canal located in the middle ear. It is a narrow passageway that connects two important structures within the ear, namely the tympanic cavity (also known as the middle ear cavity) and the mastoid air cells.
The canaliculus tympanicus serves as a conduit for the passage of blood vessels and a branch of the facial nerve, known as the chorda tympani. The chorda tympani is responsible for carrying taste sensations from the front two-thirds of the tongue to the brain.
Within the anatomy of the ear, the canaliculus tympanicus is a vital pathway for maintaining the proper functioning of the middle ear. By connecting the tympanic cavity to the mastoid air cells, it helps to equalize the air pressure between these spaces. This is essential for normal ear function and hearing.
In some clinical contexts, the canaliculus tympanicus may be involved in surgical procedures or conditions that affect the middle ear. For example, if there is an infection or inflammation within the middle ear cavity, the canaliculus tympanicus can serve as a possible route for the spread of infection. Surgeons may also refer to this canal when performing procedures that require access to the structures within the middle ear.
Overall, the canaliculus tympanicus plays a crucial role in maintaining ear function and providing a pathway for important anatomical structures in the middle ear.
A minute canal passing from the floor of the tympanum to the lower surface of the petrous portion of the temporal bone, transmitting the tympanic, or Jacobson's, nerve.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "canaliculus tympanicus" comes from Latin.
- "Canaliculus" comes from the Latin word "cana" which means tube-like or channel, and the suffix "-culus" which denotes smallness. Therefore, "canaliculus" means a small canal or tube.
- "Tympanicus" comes from the Latin word "tympanum" which means a drum or eardrum. The suffix "-icus" denotes relating to or belonging to. Thus, "tympanicus" means pertaining to the eardrum.
Putting it together, "canaliculus tympanicus" refers to a small canal or tube that is related to or belonging to the eardrum.