How Do You Spell MEMBRANA TYMPANI?

Pronunciation: [mɛmbɹˈɑːnə tɪmpˈɑːnɪ] (IPA)

The term "membrana tympani" refers to the eardrum, a thin, delicate membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. The spelling of this word may seem complex, but its phonetic transcription, [mɛmˈbra.na tɪmˈpæn.i], breaks down its sound into distinct syllables. "Membrana" is pronounced with four syllables, while "tympani" is pronounced with three syllables. The word's Latin roots can help explain its spelling, with "membrana" stemming from "membrum" (meaning "limb" or "membrane") and "tympani" originating from "tympanum" (meaning "drum").

MEMBRANA TYMPANI Meaning and Definition

1. The membrana tympani, commonly known as the tympanic membrane or eardrum, is a vital component of the human auditory system, specifically located in the middle ear. It is a thin, oval-shaped membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear.

   Composed of three tissue layers, including an outer layer of skin, a middle layer of fibrous tissue, and an innermost layer of mucous membrane, the membrana tympani assists in the transmission of sound waves from the external ear to the inner ear. Its position and structure allow it to vibrate when sound waves enter the ear canal, converting these vibrations into mechanical energy.

   The membrana tympani is connected to the malleus, one of the three tiny bones in the middle ear known as the ossicles. As sound waves enter the ear, they cause the ossicles to vibrate, which in turn causes the membrana tympani to move. This movement ultimately amplifies the sound vibrations, aiding in the efficient transmission of auditory information.

   In addition to its crucial role in hearing, the membrana tympani also contributes to the protection of the inner ear. It acts as a barrier that prevents foreign objects and excessive pressure from reaching the delicate structures of the middle and inner ears.

2. Membrane of the tympanum, drum membrane, drumhead; a thin tense membrane forming the greater part of the outer wall of the tympanic cavity and separating it from the external auditory meatus; it constitutes the boundary between the external and middle ear.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. The membrane which separates the external from the internal ear-called the drum of the ear; Jacob's membrane, the membrane lining the retina of the eye; the mucous membrane, the membrane which lines any natural open cavity of the body, and which secretes mucus; serous membrane, a membrane which lines any closed cavity of the body, and which secretes a lubricating fluid.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MEMBRANA TYMPANI

• membrana tympafi
• membrana tympali
• membrana tympaoi
• membrana tympany
• membrana tympana
• membrana tympanm
• membrana tympanh
• m embrana tympani
• me mbrana tympani
• mem brana tympani
• memb rana tympani
• membr ana tympani
• membra na tympani
• membran a tympani
• membrana t ympani
• membrana ty mpani
• membrana tympa ni
• membrana tympan i

Etymology of MEMBRANA TYMPANI

The word "membrana tympani" is derived from Latin.

1. "Membrana" comes from the Latin word "membrāna" which means "thin layer" or "membrane".

2. "Tympani" is the genitive form of the Latin word "tympanum" which means "drum", referring to the eardrum.

Therefore, "membrana tympani" translates to "membrane of the drum" or "membrane of the tympanum", which is the scientific term for the eardrum.