The pars flaccida (Shrapnell membrane) of the tympanic membrane is attached to the bony annulus at which location?
- A Umbo at the centre of the membrane
- B Notch of Rivinus, where the tympanic sulcus is deficient ✓
- C Tympanic sulcus along its full circumference
- D Petrotympanic fissure transmitting the chorda tympani
Correct answer: B. Notch of Rivinus, where the tympanic sulcus is deficient
Explanation
Superiorly the bony tympanic sulcus is deficient, creating the notch of Rivinus (tympanic incisure). The pars flaccida spans this gap, attaching to the two ends of the notch, while the pars tensa is fixed in the sulcus around the rest of the circumference. The petrotympanic fissure transmits the chorda tympani nerve and anterior ligament of the malleus but does not anchor the pars flaccida, so D is anatomically incorrect.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
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