The Ear
Terminology chapter 13
Function
• To hear
• To provide the
sense of balance
Structure of the Ear
• External ear
– Auricle (pinna) to
the eardrum
– Directs sound
waves into the
ear
Structure of the Ear
• Middle ear
– Eardrum (tympanic
membrane)
– Eustachian tube
connects middle ear to
pharynx
• Equalizes air pressure
on both sides of
eardrum
– Ossicles
• Carry sound vibrations
• 3 small bones
Structure of the Ear
• Inner ear
– Bony space in skull
– Cochlea
• Contains organ of
hearing
– Semicircular canals
and vestibule
• Sense of balance is
maintained here
• Equilibrium
Word Parts
• Combining forms
– acou/o, audi/o…………hearing
– aur/i, aur/o, ot/o……….ear
– labyrinth/o…………….. inner ear
– myring/o………………..eardrum, tympanic
membrane
Medical Terms
• Otomycosis
– fungus in the ear
– usually affects the
outer ear canal
Medical Terms
• Tympanitis
– inflammation of the
middle ear
– commonly called
otitis media (OM)
– Bulging, perforated,
or reddened
tympanic membrane
are signs
– Common in children
Disease and Disorder Terms
• Meniere’s disease
– Chronic disorder
– affects the inner
ear
– Dizziness, ringing
in the ears, and
hearing loss are
the symptoms
Normal
Abnormal
Disease and Disorder Terms
• Tinnitus
– Ringing in the ears
– Can be caused by
Aspirin
Disease and Disorder Terms
• Vertigo
– sense that one’s
own body or the
environment is
revolving
– may indicate inner
ear disease
Surgical Terms
• Myringotomy
– Incision into the
eardrum to release
pus or fluid and
relieve pressure in
the middle ear
Diagnostic Terms
• Otoscope
– instrument used for
visual examination
of the ear
Complementary Terms
• Audiologist
– one who studies
and specializes in
hearing
• Audiology
– study of hearing
Common Abbreviations
•
•
•
•
•
EENT……..eyes, ears, nose, and throat
OM………..otitis media
AD…………right ear
AS…………left ear
AU…………both ears