Definition: An oval semitransparent membrane separating the external EAR CANAL from the tympanic cavity (EAR, MIDDLE). It contains three layers: the skin of the external ear canal; the core of radially and circularly arranged collagen fibers; and the MUCOSA of the middle ear.
do not confuse with TYMPANUM; /surg: consider MYRINGOPLASTY & TYMPANOPLASTY
See AlsoMyringoplasty; Tympanoplasty
Other names Tympanic Membranes; Membranes, Tympanic; Membrane, Tympanic; Eardrums; Eardrum