Middle ear cavity
Cavitas tympani
Sensory (eye & ear)OrgansHeadLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- The tympanic cavity: an air-filled, mucosa-lined space in the temporal bone between the eardrum and the inner ear, bridged by the three ossicles. Its upper extension (the epitympanic recess or attic) holds the malleus head and incus body; behind, it opens into the mastoid air cells and in front into the Eustachian tube.
- Function
- Houses the ossicular chain and keeps air at atmospheric pressure on the inner side of the eardrum.
- Size
- About 15 mm high and 15 mm front-to-back but only 2-6 mm wide; volume 1-2 ml.
- Clinical note
- Otitis media is infection of this space. The facial nerve runs in a thin bony canal along its medial wall, so it is at risk in ear surgery.