Question
The most mobile part of the tympanic membrane:
| A. |
Central
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| B. |
Peripheral
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| C. |
Both
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| D. |
None of the above
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Show Answer
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Correct Answer » A
Explanation
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Correct Answer: A. Central
The tympanic membrane (eardrum) is composed of two main parts:
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Pars tensa (larger, taut portion)
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Pars flaccida (smaller, lax portion)
Within the pars tensa, the central region near the umbo is the most mobile part. This area is also where sound vibrations are most effectively transmitted to the ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes).
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Umbo: The most depressed and central point of the tympanic membrane where the handle of the malleus attaches — most responsive to sound.
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Peripheral part: Thicker and more anchored to the tympanic sulcus, hence less mobile.
