The eardrum is a membrane located in the middle ear of vertebrate animals.
The eardrum is a membrane found in the middle ear of vertebrate animals, separating this sector from the external auditory canal . The term has its etymological origin in the Latin tympănum , in turn derived from the Greek language.
This thin, elastic membrane serves as communication between the middle ear and the external auditory canal. Its outer face is covered with skin , while the inner face is covered with the mucosa that belongs to the middle ear. The insertion of the malleus bone causes the eardrum to have a somewhat conical shape.
When air enters the external auditory canal, the eardrum vibrates , transmitting its movement to the middle ear through a series of bones. In this way, the change in pressure is transformed into a mechanical movement.
Eardrum injuries
It should be noted that the eardrum can rupture due to an explosion. This injury can cause temporary hearing problems, vertigo, and tinnitus until recovery is achieved.
A foreign object lodged in the ear , an infection, a sudden change in pressure or a strong blow are some of the situations that can lead to a ruptured eardrum. And this will be manifested, in addition to a ringing sound, by severe pain in that area of the head, by a loss of hearing ability and even by secretions, whether pus or blood.
Taking medications or placing hot compresses in the ear are some of the measures that can be taken to deal with this complex health situation. However, based on its severity, the doctor can establish other measures for effective treatment, such as implementing myringoplasty or tympanoplasty.
In architecture, the tympanum is located between the archivolts or arch of a façade and the lintel.
Other uses of the term
Tympanum is also a name that different musical instruments can receive, such as the drum and the timpani . There is even a type of instrument made up of glass strips placed on strings called a tympanum.
In the field of architecture , the space located between the arch or archivolts of a façade and the lintel is known as the tympanum. Additionally, the tympanum can be the sector located inside the pediment .
The tympanum, common in different periods of Egyptian, Greek, Islamic and Christian architecture, are usually decorated with reliefs that represent different types of religious or mythological scenes.
Buildings with prominent tympanums
Within the artistic and architectural field we have to specifically point out several monuments that have managed to stand out, in addition to other things, for their eardrums. Among the most significant are the following:
- Strasbourg Cathedral , which has one underlined and accentuated by a beautiful set of archivolts.
- The Pantheon of Rome , which surprises with the originality of its decoration.
- The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris , which marvels at the fascinating tympanum it has on its main façade.
- The Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington , which has a spectacular high-relief tympanum made of bronze.
- The Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Vitoria , on whose tympanum scenes of Saint Peter and the Virgin Mary appear.