Eustachian tube
Tuba auditiva
Sensory (eye & ear)OrgansHeadLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- The pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube runs downward, forward and medially from the front wall of the middle ear to the side wall of the nasopharynx. Its lateral third is bone; the medial two-thirds are a cartilage-supported slit that is normally closed.
- Function
- Equalises middle-ear pressure with the atmosphere and drains middle-ear mucus into the throat.
- Size
- About 36 mm long; 2 mm across at the isthmus, opening as an 8 mm slit in the pharynx.
- Clinical note
- Opened by the palate muscles when swallowing or yawning, the "pop" felt in an aeroplane. Shorter and more horizontal in children, which favours middle-ear infections.