Synonyms
Latin: Musculus tensor tympani
Definition
The tensioner of the eardrum is a middle ear muscle. It tightens the eardrum by pulling the hammer towards the middle. In this way, it supports the stapes muscle in its task of reducing sound transmission and thus also serves to protect the ear from excessive sound levels.
History
Embouchure: handle of the hammer (Manubrium mallei) Origin: auditory trumpet (Tuba auditiva) Innervation: nervus musculi tensoris tympani of the nervus mandibularis
Function
The tensioner of the eardrum serves to protect the inner ear from excessive sound pressure. It tightens the eardrum, which causes the sound to reflect more and therefore transmit less. The reduced sound transmission to the perilymph of the inner ear minimizes the risk of damage at high volumes.
