Ear Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards
What type of epithelium lines the pinna and external auditory canal?
Stratified keratinized epithelium
What are the three layers of the tympanic membrane?
Outer - Continuous with skin of the EAC
Middle - Fibrous
Inner - Respiratory epithelium (ciliated columnar with goblet cells)
Name the ossicles
Malleus, incus and stapes
What is the function of the ear ossicles?
They are important for sound conduction
What type of epithelium lines the middle ear?
Respiratory epithelium (same as tympanic membrane)
Where does the middle ear connect to outwith the ear?
Mastoid air cells and nasopharynx (via Eustachian tube)
What nerve runs through the middle ear?
Chorda tympani - Facial nerve
Which important structures surround the middle ear?
Middle cranial fossa, ICA, sigmoid sinus and internal jugular vein
What does the chorda tympani supply
Taste to anterior 2/3 of tongue
What are the possible complications of otitis media and cholesteatoma?
Spread into the meninges, middle cranial fossa, facial nerve, mastoid cavity, inner ear, sigmoid sinus and internal jugular vein
What is cholesteatoma?
Skin in the middle ear (congenital or acquired)
Which nerves innervate the ear?
Jacobsons (CrN IX) - sensation to middle ear
Arnolds (CrN X) - sensation to posterior 1/2 of EAC
Facial (CrN VII) - anterior 1/2 of EAC
CrN V3 - Pinna (upper half)
C2/3 - Pinna (lower half)
Which nerve runs in the inner ear?
Vestibulocochlear