LAXATOR TYMPANI Meaning and
Definition
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The term "laxator tympani" refers to a small muscle located in the middle ear, specifically in the tympanic cavity. It is also known as the tensor tympani muscle. The laxator tympani muscle is one of the two muscles that are responsible for controlling the tension and movement of the eardrum or tympanic membrane.
The main function of the laxator tympani muscle is to help regulate the transmission of sound waves through the middle ear. By contracting or relaxing, this muscle can modify the tension of the eardrum, which in turn affects the sensitivity and response of the ear to different sound frequencies.
When exposed to loud sounds or sudden pressure changes, the laxator tympani muscle undergoes a reflex contraction called the tympanic reflex. This protective reflex reduces the transmission of sound vibrations by restricting the movement of the eardrum. It helps to prevent damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear caused by loud noises or sudden pressure fluctuations.
The laxator tympani muscle is innervated by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). Its controlling nerve fibers originate from the motor nucleus of the trigeminal nerve, which is located in the brainstem.
Overall, the laxator tympani muscle plays a crucial role in the auditory system by assisting in the adjustment of the eardrum's tension and protecting the inner ear from potential harm.
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One of two supposed muscles, probably ligamentous, attached to the malleus, the l. t. major to the neck, the l. t. minor to the handle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LAXATOR TYMPANI
- kaxator tympani
- paxator tympani
- oaxator tympani
- lzxator tympani
- lsxator tympani
- lwxator tympani
- lqxator tympani
- lazator tympani
- lacator tympani
- ladator tympani
- lasator tympani
- laxztor tympani
- laxstor tympani
- laxwtor tympani
- laxqtor tympani
- laxaror tympani
- laxafor tympani
- laxagor tympani
- laxayor tympani
- laxa6or tympani
Etymology of LAXATOR TYMPANI
The term "laxator tympani" comes from Latin and combines two words:
1. "Laxator" comes from the Latin verb "laxare", which means "to loosen" or "to relax". The suffix "-tor" is added to "laxare" to form a noun indicating an agent or doer of the action. Thus, "laxator" can be understood as "the one that loosens" or "the loosener".
2. "Tympani" refers to the tympanic membrane or eardrum, which is a thin, sensitive membrane separating the outer ear from the middle ear.
Therefore, "laxator tympani" can be translated as "the loosener of the eardrum".
