Overview: outer and middle ear

A frontal view of the left ear demonstrates components of the outer ear and middle ear. The inner ear is embedded in the petrous portion of the temporal bone, that forms part of the floor of the cranial cavity.

A frontal view of the left ear demonstrates components of the outer ear and middle ear. The inner ear is embedded in the petrous portion of the temporal bone, that forms part of the floor of the cranial cavity.

A frontal view of the left ear demonstrates components of the outer ear and middle ear. The inner ear is embedded in the petrous portion of the temporal bone, that forms part of the floor of the cranial cavity.

A frontal view of the left ear demonstrates components of the outer ear and middle ear. The inner ear is embedded in the petrous portion of the temporal bone, that forms part of the floor of the cranial cavity.

The middle ear, or tympanic cavity, is an air-filled space in the temporal bone. Three auditory ossicles span the cavity between the tympanic membrane and an opening in the wall of the inner ear, the oval window. The middle ear communicates with the pharynx anteriorly through the auditory, or Eustachian, tube.

The auditory ossicles span the tympanic cavity. The malleus (blue arrow), attached to the tympanic membrane, articulates with the incus (red arrow). The incus is attached to the head of the stapes (black arrow), whose foot plate (not visible here) fits into the oval window in the lateral wall of the inner ear. These ossicles transmit vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear.

The middle ear, or tympanic cavity, is an air-filled space in the temporal bone. Three auditory ossicles span the cavity between the tympanic membrane and an opening in the wall of the inner ear, the oval window. The middle ear communicates with the pharynx anteriorly through the auditory, or Eustachian, tube.

The petrous portion of the temporal bone houses the inner ear and forms a portion of the floor of the cranial cavity.

A frontal view of the left ear demonstrates components of the outer ear and middle ear. The inner ear is hidden in the petrous portion of the temporal bone, that forms part of the floor of the cranial cavity.