EPITYMPANIC SPACE Meaning and
Definition
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The epitympanic space refers to a small cavity found within the middle ear, specifically located above the level of the tympanic membrane. This space is situated superiorly to the eardrum and is relatively narrow, occupying the uppermost portion of the middle ear. It serves as an important anatomical region that aids in various auditory functions.
The epitympanic space is responsible for housing certain vital structures and features essential for sound conduction and the maintenance of equilibrium. Within this space, one can find the head of the malleus bone, as well as the body and long process of the incus bone, collectively forming part of the ossicular chain. These bones play a crucial role in transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
Furthermore, the epitympanic space contains the chorda tympani nerve, a branch of the facial nerve responsible for carrying taste sensations from the front two-thirds of the tongue. Additionally, this cavity communicates with the mastoid antrum, which is a small opening leading to the mastoid air cells, further contributing to the regulation of air pressure and fluid drainage in the middle ear.
Overall, the epitympanic space is a fundamental component of the middle ear, contributing to hearing and maintaining equilibrium. Its anatomical structures and connections play a vital role in conducting sound and managing various physiological functions related to the auditory system.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EPITYMPANIC SPACE
- wpitympanic space
- spitympanic space
- dpitympanic space
- rpitympanic space
- 4pitympanic space
- 3pitympanic space
- eoitympanic space
- elitympanic space
- e-itympanic space
- e0itympanic space
- eputympanic space
- epjtympanic space
- epktympanic space
- epotympanic space
- ep9tympanic space
- ep8tympanic space
- epirympanic space
- epifympanic space
- epigympanic space
- epiyympanic space
Etymology of EPITYMPANIC SPACE
The word "epitympanic" is a combination of two Greek roots: "epi", meaning "on" or "above", and "tympanon", meaning "drum". The word "space" is derived from the Latin word "spatium", meaning "space" or "area".
Therefore, the etymology of "epitympanic space" can be broken down as follows:
- "Epi" (Greek) - on or above
- "Tympanon" (Greek) - drum
- "Space" (Latin) - space or area
These terms are combined to refer to the space or area located above the tympanic membrane (eardrum) in the human ear.
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