Tympanic cavity Tympanic cavity The tympanic cavity is a small cavity surrounding the bones of the middle ear. Within it sit the ossicles, three small bones that transmit vibrations used in the detection of sound. On its lateral surface, it abuts the external auditory meatus [ ear canal ] from which it is separated by the tympanic membrane (eardrum). The tympanic cavity is bounded by: It is formed from the tubotympanic recess, an expansion of the first pharyngeal pouch. If damaged, the tympanic membrane can be repaired in a procedure called tympanoplasty. Should fluid accumulate within the middle ear as the result
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