Tensioner of the eardrum

Synonyms

Latin: Tensor tympani muscle
English: tympanic muscle

Synergist: Stapedius muscle

definition

The tensioner of the eardrum is a middle ear muscle. He tensions the eardrum by pulling the hammer towards the middle. In this way, it supports the stapes muscle in its task of reducing the transmission of sound and thus also serves to protect the ear from excessive sound levels.

course

Approach: Handle of hammer (Manubrium mallei)

Origin: Eustachian tube (Tuba auditiva)

Innervation: Nervus musculi tensoris tympani of the nervus mandibularis

function

The tensioner of the eardrum serves this Protection of the inner ear from excessive sound pressures. He tensions that eardrum, whereby the sound is reflected more and thus less transmitted. The reduced sound transmission to the perilymph of the inner ear minimizes the risk of damage at high volumes.