The pars flaccida, also known as Shrapnell’s membrane, is the upper, flaccid portion of the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. 

What is the pars flaccida?

It is made up of two layers: the outer skin layer and the inner mucous membrane layer. The pars flaccida does not contain a middle fibrous layer, which is why it is more flaccid than the pars tensa.

What do pars tensa and flaccida do?

The pars flaccida and the pars tensa both play a role in hearing. The pars tensa vibrates when sound waves enter the ear, and these vibrations are transmitted to the inner ear. The pars flaccida helps to protect the pars tensa from damage, and it also helps to amplify sound waves.

What is the difference between pars tensa and pars flaccida?

The main difference between the pars tensa and the pars flaccida is that the pars tensa contains a middle fibrous layer, while the pars flaccida does not. This makes the pars tensa more rigid than the pars flaccida. The pars tensa is also larger than the pars flaccida, and it covers most of the surface of the eardrum.

Where is pars flaccida?

The pars flaccida is located at the top of the tympanic membrane. It is attached to the malleus, which is the first bone in the middle ear. The pars flaccida is also attached to the tympanic annulus, which is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the eardrum.

Conclusion

The pars flaccida is an important part of the tympanic membrane, and it plays a vital role in hearing. It helps to protect the pars tensa from damage, and it also helps to amplify sound waves.