Tympanic membrane retraction Tympanic membrane retraction Tympanic membrane retraction describes a condition in which a part of the eardrum lies deeper within the ear than its normal position. The eardrum comprises two parts, the pars tensa, which is the main part of the eardrum, and the pars flaccida, which is a smaller part of the eardrum located above the pars tensa. Either or both of these parts may become retracted. The retracted segment of eardrum is often known as a retraction pocket. The terms "atelectasis" or sometimes "adhesive otitis media" can be used to describe retraction of a large area of the pars
Inferior tympanic artery can result in pulsatile tinnitus. The resulting Aberrant Carotid artery can mimic neoplasm on CT. Inferior tympanic artery The inferior tympanic artery is a small branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery. It is a small branch which passes through a minute foramen in the petrous portion of the temporal bone which is called tympanic canaliculus or inferior tympanic canaliculus, in company with the tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve, to supply the medial wall of the tympanic cavity and anastomose with the other tympanic arteries. In the case of a missing or underdeveloped cervical ICA, the Inferior tympanic artery can