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
Development of the human body characteristics, the "filling in" of the child's body; from girl to woman, from boy to man. Biologically, an adult is a human or other organism that has reached sexual maturity. In human context, the term "adult" additionally has meanings associated with social and legal concepts. In contrast to a "minor", a legal adult is a person who has attained the age of majority and is therefore regarded as independent, self-sufficient, and responsible. The typical age of attaining adulthood is 18, although definition may vary by legal rights and country. Human adulthood encompasses psychological adult development. Definitions of adulthood are often