MASTOID ANTRUM Meaning and
Definition
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The mastoid antrum is a small cavity within the temporal bone, located behind the middle ear and connecting to the middle ear cavity. It is part of the mastoid process, which is a prominent bony projection located just behind the ear. The mastoid antrum is lined with mucous membrane and contains air spaces. It plays a significant role in the functioning of the middle ear and the auditory system.
The mastoid antrum serves as a conduit for the passage of air and fluid between the middle ear and the nasal cavity. It is connected to the nasopharynx through a small channel called the Eustachian tube, which helps maintain equal air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. This is crucial for normal hearing and the prevention of conditions such as barotrauma.
Furthermore, the mastoid antrum is responsible for the production and maintenance of the protective fluid in the middle ear, known as the middle ear effusion. This fluid helps lubricate and protect the delicate structures of the middle ear, ensuring smooth functioning.
In certain medical conditions, such as chronic otitis media or mastoiditis, the mastoid antrum can become infected and inflamed. This can lead to symptoms such as ear pain, discharge, and hearing loss. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain the infected material and restore normal functioning.
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A cavity in the mastoid process, communicating with the m. cells and with the tympanum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MASTOID ANTRUM
- nastoid antrum
- kastoid antrum
- jastoid antrum
- mzstoid antrum
- msstoid antrum
- mwstoid antrum
- mqstoid antrum
- maatoid antrum
- maztoid antrum
- maxtoid antrum
- madtoid antrum
- maetoid antrum
- mawtoid antrum
- masroid antrum
- masfoid antrum
- masgoid antrum
- masyoid antrum
- mas6oid antrum
- mas5oid antrum
- mastiid antrum
Etymology of MASTOID ANTRUM
The term "mastoid antrum" is derived from two components: "mastoid" and "antrum".
1. Mastoid: The word "mastoid" is derived from the Greek word "mastoeidēs", which means "breast-shaped". It is a combination of two Greek words: "mastós", meaning "breast", and "eídō", meaning "form" or "resemblance". The term "mastoid" is used to describe a specific portion of the temporal bone located behind the ear, which has a shape similar to a breast.
2. Antrum: The term "antrum" is borrowed from Latin, where it means "cave" or "cavity". It comes from the Latin word "antrum", which itself likely has its origins in the Greek word "ántron", meaning "cave".
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