The spelling of the word "porus acusticus externus" can be a bit tricky. It is pronounced /ˈpɔːrəs əˈkʌstɪkəs ɛkˈstɜːrnəs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "porus" part is straightforward, pronounced like "pores." "Acusticus" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable and the "c" is pronounced like "k." "Externus" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable and the "x" is pronounced like "ks." This term refers to the external auditory canal, which is the part of the ear canal that leads up to the eardrum.
The term "porus acusticus externus" refers to a structure in the human anatomy that is commonly known as the external auditory meatus or ear canal. It is a passage that leads from the outer ear to the middle ear, allowing sound waves to enter the ear and reach the eardrum.
The porus acusticus externus is located on both sides of the head and is approximately 2-3 centimeters long in adults. It begins at the external ear, which consists of the pinna and the external auditory canal. The ear canal acts as a conduit for sound waves, directing them towards the middle ear where the process of hearing is initiated.
The porus acusticus externus is characterized by its unique structure, which includes a bony part and a cartilaginous part. The bony part is formed by the temporal bone, while the cartilaginous part is composed of elastic cartilage. This combination of bone and cartilage provides stability and flexibility to the ear canal.
The inner lining of the porus acusticus externus contains sebaceous glands, which produce cerumen (earwax). Cerumen helps to lubricate the ear canal and also serves as a protective barrier against foreign particles, such as dust and insects.
Overall, the porus acusticus externus plays an essential role in the process of hearing, as it allows sound waves to reach the eardrum and sets off a chain reaction that enables us to perceive and interpret various sounds in our environment.
External acoustic or auditory pore or foramen, the orifice of the external auditory meatus in the tympanic portion of the temporal bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.