What is the auditory tube?
Tympanic cavity or middle ear of the human auditory system is compressed space inside the time bone of the skull. It is located between the tympanic membrane, also known as the ear drum and inner ear. The auditory tube, known as Eustachian or pharyngotympanic tube, is located, located towards the front of the overall structure of the auditory system. It connects the middle ear with the pharynx over the nosopharynx or nasal passages. In adults, this small tube usually average about 1.5 inches (35 mm) in length.
The auditory tube helps with two important physiological functions: balance and hearing. In order for this structure to be performed by its work, it must be able to open and close properly. Normally, the auditory tube remains in a closed position, but if necessary, it opens only to admit the correct amount of air needed to level the pressure in the middle ear with atmospheric pressure outside the ear.
This leveling process, sometimes referred to as ears' clearing, will be the most active, KDYZ a person travels in a mountainous area or flies on a plane. At certain altitudes, the hearing is reduced or muted until the pressure balance is restored, usually by chewing, swallowing or using a valsalva mane. When the correct pressure between the air in the middle ear and the surrounding air is achieved, the noise occurs and the eustachian tube returns to its closed position to maintain the appropriate pressure and protect the ear drum from loud sounds.
Another important task performed by the auditory tube is the drainage of the mucous membranes from the thympanic cavity of the middle ear. The secretion of fluids move towards the nosopharynx by cilted cells along the distal end of the tube. The function can be disturbed if the tube is deleted slowly, which may be caused by the swelling of the tissue. Such swelling can be caused by inflammation associated with allergies or upper respiratory system infections. Swollen eustach tube can cause bakTerie captures in the middle ear, leading to ear infection.
Children tend to have more problems with Earaches and infections than adults, because their eustachian tube is shorter and has a horizontal angle. Horizontal positioning, combined with a smaller tube opening in children, may disrupt the movement of normal secretions from the middle ear. This can lead to pain and infection.