GLANDULA TYMPANICA Meaning and
Definition
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Glandula tympanica refers to a small, specialized gland located in the middle ear cavity of certain animals, mainly sea mammals like seals and whales. It is also commonly known as the tympanic gland.
This small-sized gland plays a crucial role in the physiological adaptation of these aquatic animals to their marine environment. The gland is primarily responsible for the production and secretion of a waxy substance commonly referred to as "earwax" or "cerumen." The specific purpose of this secretion is still not completely understood, although it is believed to serve multiple functions.
One of the main functions of glandula tympanica is thought to be the lubrication and protection of the auditory canal and eardrum. This wax-like substance helps to keep the sensitive ear structures moisturized, preventing dryness and potential damage due to water exposure. Additionally, the cerumen may act as a barrier against foreign bodies, including water, dust, and debris, reducing the risk of infection or other ear issues.
The glandula tympanica consists of different cell types that produce a mixture of lipids, proteins, and other substances, resulting in a sticky and semi-solid secretion. The earwax is usually transported out of the auditory canal naturally due to jaw movement, chewing, and the growth of new layers of skin. However, in certain cases where excessive cerumen is produced or due to inappropriate cleaning methods, blockage or impaction can occur, potentially causing hearing impairment or discomfort, necessitating professional intervention for its removal.
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(1) One of the mucous glands in the mucosa of the tympanum; (2) a small reddish, ganglionic mass lying on Jacobson's nerve in the tympanic canal, regarded by Krause as a ductless gland.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLANDULA TYMPANICA
- flandula tympanica
- vlandula tympanica
- blandula tympanica
- hlandula tympanica
- ylandula tympanica
- tlandula tympanica
- gkandula tympanica
- gpandula tympanica
- goandula tympanica
- glzndula tympanica
- glsndula tympanica
- glwndula tympanica
- glqndula tympanica
- glabdula tympanica
- glamdula tympanica
- glajdula tympanica
- glahdula tympanica
- glansula tympanica
- glanxula tympanica
- glancula tympanica
Etymology of GLANDULA TYMPANICA
The phrase "glandula tympanica" is derived from Latin. Here is the breakdown:
1. Glandula: This is a noun in Latin meaning "small gland". It is derived from the Latin verb "glandere", which means "to secrete". The word "glandula" itself refers specifically to a small structure that secretes substances essential for bodily functions, such as hormones or enzymes.
2. Tympanica: This is an adjective in Latin derived from the noun "tympanum", meaning "drum". It refers to the anatomical structure called the "tympanic membrane" or eardrum, which is a thin, semitransparent membrane that separates the external ear canal from the middle ear.
Therefore, "glandula tympanica" can be translated to mean "tympanic gland" or "gland of the eardrum".
