EARDRUM Meaning and
Definition
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The eardrum, also referred to as the tympanic membrane, is a delicate, translucent, and elastic membrane located deep within the ear. It serves as a vital anatomical structure that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. The eardrum plays a crucial role in the process of hearing.
When sound waves enter the ear through the external auditory canal, they cause the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted to the tiny bones in the middle ear known as the ossicles, which amplify and transfer the sound to the inner ear. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which converts these mechanical vibrations into electrical signals sent to the brain for interpretation.
The eardrum itself consists of three distinct layers - an outer layer composed of skin, a middle layer of connective tissue, and an inner layer lined with mucous membrane. It possesses a concave shape and is attached to a bony ring called the tympanic annulus. The eardrum also contains sensory nerves that enable it to detect changes in pressure, allowing it to adjust and protect the inner ear from excessive sound and potential damage.
Being a fundamental component of the auditory system, the eardrum is susceptible to various conditions such as perforations, infections, and injuries. While many ailments can be resolved through treatment and proper care, severe damage to the eardrum may require surgical intervention to restore hearing functionality.
Common Misspellings for EARDRUM
Etymology of EARDRUM
The word "eardrum" derives from a combination of two words: "ear" and "drum".
The term "ear" can be traced back to the Old English word "ēare", which itself originated from the Proto-Germanic word "auzōn". This ultimately goes back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂ōus (to hear or listen).
The word "drum" has a different origin. It comes from the Middle English word "calledrum", which was borrowed from the Old Norse word "drumbr" (or "drombr") meaning a "loud noise". This Old Norse word evolved from the Proto-Germanic word *drumbuz, and has connections with the Middle High German word "trumbe" and Old High German word "trumba".
Similar spelling word for EARDRUM
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