auditory meatus
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The passage in the outer ear leading from the auricle (pinna) to the eardrum (tympanic membrane): The "auditory meatus" is the tube-like structure that channels sound waves from the outside environment toward the middle ear.
Usage
- The term "auditory meatus" is a formal, anatomical term. It is typically used in medical, biological, or scientific contexts. In everyday conversation, people usually refer to it simply as the "ear canal."
- It is a countable noun. The plural form is "auditory meatuses" or, less commonly, "auditory meati" (using the Latin plural).
Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor examined the patient's auditory meatus for signs of infection or blockage.
- Cerumen, or earwax, is produced in the outer portion of the auditory meatus to protect it.
- Sound waves travel down the auditory meatus before striking the eardrum.
Advanced Usage
- "External auditory meatus": This is the full and precise anatomical term, specifying it as the outer passage, as opposed to the internal auditory meatus which is a canal in the temporal bone of the skull for nerves and blood vessels.
- The inflammation was localized to the external auditory meatus.
Variants and Related Words
- Ear canal (n): The common, non-technical synonym for "auditory meatus."
- External acoustic meatus (n): An alternative anatomical term with the same meaning.
- Meatus (n): A general anatomical term for a natural body passage or opening (e.g., urinary meatus).
Synonyms
- Ear canal: The most frequent synonym in general use.
- External auditory canal: A common synonym in medical contexts.
- Acoustic meatus: A less common variant.
Notes on Meaning
- The "auditory meatus" refers specifically to the tube itself, not the structures at either end (the pinna/auricle or the eardrum). Its primary function is to conduct sound and protect the middle ear.
Noun
- either of the passages in the outer ear from the auricle to the tympanic membrane