Eustachian tube

Descriptions of Eustachian tube

Eustachian tube: either of the paired tubes connecting the middle ears to the nasopharynx; equalizes air pressure on the two sides of the eardrum
Source: WordNet 2.1

Eustachian tube : tube that connects the pharynx to the middle ear space allowing for equalization of pressure across the eardrum.
Source: CRISP

Summary Information: Eustachian tube

Eustachian tube: The eustachian tube is a tiny tube that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. The function of the eustachian tube is to allow air to flow in and out of the air-filled middle ear cavity. A normally functioning eustachian tube keeps the air pressure inside the middle ear the same as the air pressure outside the ear, which is necessary for the optimal vibration of the tympanic membrane and acute hearing. The eustachian tube allows the ear to "pop" and maintain normal pressure when there are changes in altitude, such when flying.

The eustachian tube is very short in children, which more easily allows infections to spread from the nasopharynx into the middle ear, resulting in otitis media. Other conditions that can afflict the eustachian tube include strep infection and trauma.

Closely Related Organs: Eustachian tube

The following organs are closely related to the organ: Eustachian tube:

• Middle ear
• Nasopharynx
• Tympanic membrane
• Ear
• Outer ear
• Inner ear
• 8th cranial nerve
• Hearing
• Sense organs

Conditions Afflicting Organs: Eustachian tube

The following conditions are related to the organ: Eustachian tube:

• Otitis media
• Strep infection
• Trauma

Other Names: Eustachian tube

The following are other names for the organ: Eustachian tube:

• Auditory tube

Symptoms Related to Afflictions of: Eustachian tube

These symptoms are related to afflictions of the organ: Eustachian tube:

• Ear pain
• Tugging at ear in small children
• Fever
• Drainage of fluid or pus from ear
• Decreased hearing
• Feeling of pressure in ear

Condition count: 2 ; see list below.

Organ types: Ear (37)

Related organs: middle ear (2), throat (44)

Organs: list of all organs

Eustachian tube: Related Topics

• Tube

Diseases List for Eustachian tube:

The following list of medical conditions have 'Eustachian tube' or similar listed as an affected body part in our database:

B

• Barotitis Media ... eustachian tube

E

• Eustachian tube disorders ... eustachian tube

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