Ear canal

Template:Infobox Anatomy Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

## Overview[edit | edit source]

The ear canal (external auditory meatus, external acoustic meatus), is a tube running from the outer ear to the middle ear. The human ear canal extends from the pinna to the eardrum and is about 26 mm in length and 7 mm in diameter.

## Size and shape[edit | edit source]

The human ear canal is approximately 26 mm long and 7 mm in diameter. Size and shape of the canal vary among individuals. This is an important factor to consider when fitting hearing protectors.

## Disorders[edit | edit source]

The ear canal, because of its relative exposure to the outside world, is a common victim of diseases and other disorders. Some disorders include:

* Otitis externa (swimmer's ear), bacteria-caused inflammation of the ear canal
* Contact dermatitis of the ear canal
* Ear fungus
* Ear myiasis, an extremely rare infestation of maggots
* Bone exposure, caused by the wearing away of skin in the canal
* Granuloma, a scar usually caused by tympanostomy tubes
* Stenosis, a gradual closing of the canal
* Foreign body in ear
* Ear mites in animals.
* Cysts of the external auditory meatus

* Epidermal cyst of the external auditory meatus.[1]

* Same cyst of external auditory meatus, magnified.[2]

* Large cyst of the external auditory meatus. [3]

## Earwax[edit | edit source]

Main article: Earwax

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a yellowish, waxy substance secreted in the ear canals. It plays an important role in the human ear canal, assisting in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, and insects. Excess or impacted cerumen can press against the eardrum and/or occlude the external auditory canal and impair hearing.

## References[edit | edit source]

1. ↑ http://www.ghorayeb.com
2. ↑ http://www.ghorayeb.com
3. ↑ http://www.ghorayeb.com

## Additional images[edit | edit source]

* Base of skull. Inferior surface.

* Left infratemporal fossa.

* External and middle ear, opened from the front. Right side.

* Horizontal section through left ear; upper half of section.

## External links[edit | edit source]

* Veterans Health Administration web site
* OSHA web site
* Continuing Medical Education Ear Photographs
* Otoscopy Tutorial w/ Images
* Template:RocheLexicon

Template:Auditory system Template:Foramina of skull

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