The term "pars flaccida" refers to the thin, non-tensile portion of the eardrum. The phonetic transcription for this word is /pɑːz ˈflækɪdə/. The "p" sound in "pars" is a voiceless bilabial plosive, while the "a" sound is pronounced as "ah." The "s" in "pars" is a voiceless alveolar fricative. In "flaccida," the "f" is voiceless labiodental fricative and the "cc" is pronounced like "k" followed by "a" pronounced as "ah." This spelling helps to ensure clarity in medical terminology related to the ear.
"Pars flaccida" refers to a specific anatomical feature found in the human ear, specifically within the middle ear cavity. The term is derived from Latin, where "pars" means part or portion, and "flaccida" translates to flabby or slack. Also known as the "flaccid part," the pars flaccida is a small section of the membrane inside the ear called the tympanic membrane (or eardrum).
The tympanic membrane is a thin, dome-shaped layer of tissue that separates the external ear canal from the middle ear. It plays a vital role in transmitting sound vibrations to the auditory ossicles, which in turn transmit the sound to the inner ear. The pars flaccida is the uppermost part of the tympanic membrane, located above the larger and stiffer section known as the pars tensa.
Compared to the rest of the eardrum, the pars flaccida is thinner, less tensed, and lacks the fibrous support of the surrounding tissues. Its loose and slack nature allows for greater ease of movement, which may affect its ability to transmit sound waves as effectively as the stiffer pars tensa. Furthermore, the pars flaccida is more vulnerable to perforations or tears, making it more susceptible to certain ear conditions such as cholesteatoma or retraction pockets.
Understanding the anatomy and characteristics of the pars flaccida is important in diagnosing and treating various ear disorders, as abnormalities in this region can contribute to hearing impairments and complications.
Flaccid part, Shrapnell's membrane.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "pars flaccida" is derived from Latin. "Pars" means part or portion, and "flaccida" translates to flaccid or limp. The term is commonly used in anatomical context to refer to a small, thin, and relatively weak part of a structure, such as the flaccid portion of the tympanic membrane (eardrum).