Object numberGC.8431-1
DescriptionThe left temporal bone of a young subject with an oblique segment on a line with the petro-tympanic fissure removed from the lateral aspect of the petro mastoid portion inferior to the level of the parietal notch, exposing the cavity of the tympanum and the epitympanic recess.
The buttress of bone between these cavities is intact and through it they communicate by the aditus ad antrum. Posterior to these cavities the saw has removed the bone leaving an oval opening in the sigmoid sulcus. Inferior to the buttress of bone between the cavities is a small air cell and anterior to it is part of the facial canal on section which contained the facial nerve. On the inner wall of the tympanum are the fenestra vestibuli and the fenestra cochleae. Above and anterior to the fenestra vestibuli & small spicule of bone represents the curved extremity of the septum canalis musculotubarii which forms a pulley for the tendon of the tensor tympani muscle. Below this process on the anterior wall of the tympanum is the tympanic aperture of the auditory tube. The mandibular fossa is shallow as it is normally in such a young subject.
Object nameEAR, middle
Object categoryAnatomical, specimen