Myringotomy and tympanostomy, in parallel with the general distinction between an -otomy (cutting) and an -ostomy (creating a stoma with some degree of permanence or semipermanence). In this distinction, only a tympanostomy involves tympanostomy tubes and creates a semipermanent stoma. This distinction in usage is not always made. The word "tympanocentesis" specifies that centesis (aspiration for sampling) is being done. Etymologically, "myringotomy" ("myringo-", from Latin "myringa" "eardrum", + "-tomy") and "tympanotomy" ("tympano-" + "-tomy") both mean "eardrum cutting", and "tympanostomy" ("tympano-" + "-stomy" means "making an eardrum stoma". In 1649, Jean Riolan the Younger accidentally pierced a patient's ear drum while
Composition of the human body Not all elements which are found in the human body in trace quantities play a role in life. Some of these elements are thought to be simple bystander contaminants without function (examples: caesium, titanium), while many others are thought to be active toxics, depending on amount (cadmium, mercury, radioactives). The possible utility and toxicity of a few elements at levels normally found in the body (aluminium) is debated. Functions have been proposed for trace amounts of cadmium and lead, although these are almost certainly toxic in amounts very much larger than normally found in the body. There is evidence that