Tympanic Membrane Retraction (Middle Ear Atelectasis)

Image Description:

A retracted ear drum or tympanic membrane retraction is thought to occur when there is negative pressure in the middle ear. This is a vacuum effect that can cause the entire ear drum or only parts of the ear drum to appear retracted. This illustration shows the normal ear drum and two progressive stages of the ear drum being retracted.  

Tympanoplasty is the name of the surgery to repair the ear drum, in this case the condition called tympanic membrane retraction. Surgery is performed to reconstruct an eardrum (tympanic membrane). The stages show the tympanic membrane in normal position and then expanding across the tympanic cavity. The eustachian tube has not been included in this illustration. 

Image File Sizes:

Anatomy Visible in the Medical Illustration Includes:

Malleus, incus, tensor tympani, stapes, tympanic cavity, tympanic membrane, external auditory canal

Image created by:

Joanna Culley