Definition: A short muscle that arises from the pharyngotympanic tube (EUSTACHIAN TUBE) and inserts into the handle of the MALLEUS. This muscle pulls the handle medially thus controlling the tension and movement of TYMPANIC MEMBRANE.
/growth: coordinate with MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT; /embryol: coordinate with MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT if pertinent
Other names Tympanus, Tensor; Tympani, Tensor; Tensor Tympanus