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The Eustachian tube (/ j uː ˈ s t eɪ ʃ ən /), also called the auditory tube or pharyngotympanic tube, [1] is a tube that links the nasopharynx to the middle ear, of which it is also a part. In adult humans, the Eustachian tube is approximately 35 mm (1.4 in) long and 3 mm (0.12 in) in diameter. [ 2 ]
It arises from the scaphoid fossa of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid [1] anteriorly [citation needed], the (medial aspect of the) spine of sphenoid bone posteriorly, and - between the aforementioned anterior and posterior attachments - from the anterolateral aspect of the membranous wall of the pharyngotympanic tube. [1] At the muscle's ...
English: A diagram of the anatomy of the human ear. Green is outer ear. Red is middle ear. Purple is inner ear. ... Eustachian tube ≅ Eustachian tube (Q320561)
The salpingopharyngeus muscle is a muscle of the pharynx. It arises from the lower part of the cartilage of the Eustachian tube, [1] and inserts into the palatopharyngeus muscle by blending with its posterior fasciculus. It is innervated by vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) via the pharyngeal plexus.
The middle ear also connects to the upper throat at the nasopharynx via the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube. [3] [11] The three ossicles transmit sound from the outer ear to the inner ear. The malleus receives vibrations from sound pressure on the eardrum, where it is connected at its longest part (the manubrium or handle) by a ligament.
However, the stapedial muscle is innervated by the facial nerve while the tensor tympani is innervated by the trigeminal nerve. The tensor tympani pulls the manubrium of the malleus inwards and tightens it while the stapedial muscle pulls the stapes inward. This tightening damps the sound vibration that is allowed to penetrate the cochlea.
The Valsalva maneuver can also help to temporarily unblock or equalize the pressure in the middle ear. To do this, simply pinch your nostrils closed with one hand and blow air through your nose ...
The levator veli palatini muscle elevates the soft palate during swallowing. This helps to prevent food from entering the nasopharynx. Its action may be slightly slower than its partner, the tensor veli palatini muscle. [1] It has little to no effect on the pharyngotympanic tube. [2]