Tensor tympani muscle

Tensor tympani muscle
Details
OriginAuditory tube
InsertionHandle of the malleus
ArterySuperior tympanic artery
NerveMedial pterygoid nerve from the mandibular nerve (V3)
ActionsTensing the tympanic membrane
Identifiers
Latinmusculus tensor tympani
MeSHD013719
TA98A15.3.02.061
TA22102
FMA49028
Anatomical terms of muscle

The tensor tympani is a muscle within the middle ear, located in the bony canal above the bony part of the auditory tube, and connects to the malleus bone. Its role is to dampen loud sounds, such as those produced from chewing, shouting, or thunder. Because its reaction time is not fast enough, the muscle cannot protect against hearing damage caused by sudden loud sounds, like explosions or gunshots, however some individuals have voluntary control over the muscle, and may tense it pre-emptively.