The tympanic membrane is also called the eardrum. It separates the
outer ear from the middle ear. When soundwaves reach the tympanic
membrane they cause it to vibrate. The vibrations are then
transferred to the tiny bones in the middle ear. The middle ear
bones then transfer the vibrating signals to the inner ear. The
tympanic membrane is made up of a thin connective tissue membrane
covered by skin on the outside and mucosa on the internal surface.
Review Date: 04/15/2011
Reviewed By: Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical
Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA,
Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
