Tensor tympani

Tensor tympani is a muscle within the ear. It is contained in the bony canal above the osseous portion of the auditory tube. Its role is to dampen the noise produced by chewing and other loud sounds.

Anatomy

The tensor tympani is a slender, ribbon-like muscle in the bony canal above the osseous portion of the auditory tube. Its origin is a narrow depression on the canal for the tensor tympani, and its insertion is the handle of the malleus, where it inserts into the medial side of the handle immediately above the processus brevis.

Function

The function of the tensor tympani is to dampen the noise produced by chewing. When the muscle contracts, it pulls the handle of the malleus medially, tensing the tympanic membrane and damping the vibrations in response to high frequency, intense sound.

Clinical significance

Damage to the tensor tympani can result in a variety of hearing disorders, including tinnitus and hyperacusis. Tinnitus is a condition characterized by the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, while hyperacusis is a heightened sensitivity to normal environmental sounds.

See also

• Tympanic membrane
• Malleus
• Tinnitus
• Hyperacusis

References

Tensor tympani Resources
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