TYMPANIC BONE Meaning and
Definition
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The tympanic bone, also known as the auditory ossicle or the ossiculum auditus, is a small, delicate bone located within the middle ear of humans and other vertebrates. It forms part of a chain of three small bones collectively referred to as the ossicles, which play a vital role in the transmission of sound from the outer ear to the inner ear.
The tympanic bone specifically connects the malleus, or hammer bone, to the stapes, or stirrup bone. It is the intermediary bone in this chain and contributes to the amplification and transmission of sound waves. As sound enters the ear canal and vibrates the eardrum, the malleus receives these vibrations and passes them on to the tympanic bone. The tympanic bone, in turn, transfers the vibrations to the stapes, which then pushes against the oval window of the inner ear. This transfer of energy transforms sound waves into mechanical vibrations that can be further processed by the sensory hair cells in the cochlea.
The tympanic bone is essential for the proper function of the auditory system. It provides mechanical support and amplification to ensure optimal sound transmission. Without a healthy and functioning tympanic bone, hearing impairment or deafness may occur. Certain conditions or injuries may also affect the tympanic bone, leading to disruptions in sound conduction and resulting in hearing loss that may require medical intervention.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TYMPANIC BONE
- rympanic bone
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Etymology of TYMPANIC BONE
The word "tympanic" originates from the Latin word "tympanum", meaning drum. "Tympanum" was used to describe a musical instrument similar to a drum. The addition of the suffix "-ic" indicates that it pertains to or is related to the noun "tympanum". Therefore, the term "tympanic" refers to something resembling or associated with a drum.
The word "bone" comes from the Old English word "ban" or "bān", which has Proto-Germanic roots. This term has been used to refer to the hard, dense organs that form the skeleton of vertebrates, providing support and protection to the body.
Hence, the etymology of the term "tympanic bone" combines the Latin word "tympanum", meaning drum, with the Old English term "bone", signifying the organ that constructs the skeletal framework.
Similar spelling words for TYMPANIC BONE
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