The correct spelling of the term "meatus acusticus externus" can be confusing, as it contains several sounds that are not common in English. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word can be written as /mɪˈeɪtəs əˈkʌstɪkəs ɛkˈstɜrnəs/. The "meatus" part is pronounced with a short "i" sound, and the "acusticus" part contains a combination of the "k" and "s" sounds. The final "us" in "externus" is pronounced as "uhs". With the help of phonetics, the spelling and pronunciation of "meatus acusticus externus" can be mastered.
The term "meatus acusticus externus" refers to a specific anatomical structure found in the human ear. It is a Latin term that translates to "external acoustic meatus" in English. This structure is also commonly known as the external auditory meatus or the ear canal.
The meatus acusticus externus is essentially a passageway that extends from the outer ear to the middle ear. It begins at the visible portion of the ear, known as the pinna or auricle, and ends at the eardrum or tympanic membrane. The primary function of this meatus is to transmit sound waves from the external environment to the middle ear for further processing.
The external acoustic meatus is typically about 2.5 centimeters long in adults and has a curved shape. It is composed of cartilage at the outer portion, which keeps the canal open, and bone at the inner portion. The walls of this meatus are lined with specialized skin cells that produce cerumen, commonly known as earwax. Cerumen protects the ear by preventing debris, dust, and harmful microorganisms from entering the ear canal.
The meatus acusticus externus plays a crucial role in the hearing process. It acts as a natural funnel, capturing sound waves and guiding them towards the eardrum. It also helps maintain the optimal environment for proper sound transmission and protects the delicate structures of the middle ear.
External acoustic or auditory m., the passage leading inward through the tympanic portion of the temporal bone, from the auricle to the membrana tympani; it consists of an osseous (internal) portion and a fibrocartilaginous (external) portion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.