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
The Human Body (TV series) The Human Body (TV series) The Human Body is a seven-part documentary series, first shown on 20 May 1998 on BBC One and presented by medical scientist Robert Winston. A co-production between the BBC and The Learning Channel, the series looks at the mechanics and emotions of the human body from birth to death. The series was nominated for numerous awards, winning several, including three BAFTA awards, four RTS awards and a Peabody Award. Described as the BBC's "first major TV series on human biology", it took over two years to make and aimed to be the definitive set of