Tympanic cavity

The tympanic cavity is a small cavity surrounding the bones of the middle ear.

It is formed from the tubotympanic sulcus, an expansion of the first pharyngeal pouch.

It is mostly surrounded by the bony labyrinth, except on its lateral surface, where it abuts the external auditory meatus from which it is separated by the tympanic membrane (eardrum).

Clinical significance
If damaged, the tympanic membrane can be repaired in a procedure called tympanoplasty.

Should fluid accumulate within the middle ear as the result of infection or for some other reason, it can be drained by puncturing the tympanic membrane with a small bore needle (tympanocentesis).