Image Description: Tympanic membrane retraction is the name of the condition where the eardrum lies deeper within the ear than normal. A retracted ear drum or tympanic membrane retraction is thought to occur when there is negative pressure in the middle ear. This is a vacuum effect that can cause the entire ear drum or only parts of the ear drum to appear retracted. This illustration shows the normal ear drum and two progressive stages of the ear drum being retracted. Shown is the normal anatomy of the eardrum or tympanic membrane and a further two stages of tympanic membrane retraction. Fluid build-up is also shown as a green opaque fluid filling the tympanic cavity. The eustachian tube has been included in this illustration. Image File Sizes: Size Pixels Inches (@300dpi) cm (@300dpi) Small 214 x 600px 0.7 x 2.0” 1.8 x 5.1cm Medium 427 x 1200px 1.4 x 4.0” 3.6 x 10.2cm Large 641 x 1800px 2.1 x 6.0” 5.4 x 15.2cm Anatomy Visible in the Medical Illustration Includes: Ear canal, eardrum, tympanic membrane, ear, tympanic membrane retraction, eustachian tube, malleus, middle ear, incus, stapes, oval window, auditory tube, auditory ossicles. Image created by: Joanna Culley
