Shrapnell’s membrane, also known as the pars flaccida, is the upper part of the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. It is a thin, translucent membrane that is attached to the tympanic ring, a bony structure in the middle ear.

What is the function of the tympanic membrane?

The tympanic membrane is the gateway to the middle ear. It vibrates in response to sound waves, which then transmit the vibrations to the ossicles, three small bones in the middle ear. The ossicles amplify the vibrations and transmit them to the inner ear, where they are converted into electrical signals that are sent to the brain.

What are the layers of the tympanic membrane?

The tympanic membrane is made up of three layers:

• The outer layer is made up of skin.
• The middle layer is made up of fibrous tissue.
• The inner layer is made up of mucous membrane.

What is the difference between pars tensa and pars flaccida?

The pars tensa is the main part of the tympanic membrane. It is the thicker, more tightly stretched part of the membrane. The pars flaccida is the upper part of the tympanic membrane. It is the thinner, less tightly stretched part of the membrane.

What happens if the tympanic membrane is damaged?

If the tympanic membrane is damaged, it can cause hearing loss. The damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Ear infections
• Barotrauma (pressure changes in the ear)
• Foreign objects in the ear
• Head injuries

If the tympanic membrane is damaged, it may need to be repaired surgically. The surgery is called tympanoplasty.