The tensor tympani muscle is innervated by the nerve to medial pterygoid (branch of V3) and acts to dampen intense sounds. What is the primary bony landmark that separates it from the Eustachian tube in the anterior wall of the middle ear?
- A Processus cochleariformis
- B Canal of Huguier
- C Septum canalis musculotubarii ✓
- D Tegmen tympani
Correct answer: C. Septum canalis musculotubarii
Explanation
The anterior wall of the middle ear contains the musculotubal canal, divided by the septum canalis musculotubarii (a thin bony partition) into the superior semicanal for the tensor tympani muscle and the inferior semicanal forming the bony part of the Eustachian tube. The processus cochleariformis is the pulley around which the tensor tympani tendon turns to insert on the malleus. The canal of Huguier transmits the chorda tympani nerve. The tegmen tympani is the roof of the middle ear formed by the petrous temporal bone.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.