Chapter 65, Problem 1.1A

What is the purpose of the auditory tubes opening into the nasopharynx? Explain why this may lead to plugged ears when you have a cold.

Summary Introduction

To write:

The purpose of the auditory tubes that opens into the nasopharynx. The reason for blocking of ears while having a cold.

Introduction:

Anatomy can be defined as a branch of biology that is associated with the study of the organism’s structure and its parts. In anatomy the superficial indicates the structure is closer to the surface of the body or presents more outside than another. Deep is opposite to superficial.

Explanation of Solution

The Eustachian tube:

It is also known as the auditory tube. It is a tube which joins the nasopharynx region to the middle ear. It is a portion of the middle ear.

The auditory tube permits the passage of air between the middle ear cavity and the outside environment. Consequently, the air pressure usually remains alike on both the sides of eardrum.

The auditory tube attach from the middle ear chamber to the back of the nasopharynx.

The reason for blocking of ears while having a cold is:

The blockage of an auditory tube is one probable cause of a clogged ear.

The auditory tube usually drains the mucus from the middle ear.

But due to certain upper respiratory tract allergies or infections, the eustachian tube surrounding membrane and opening can become swollen. This might trap the fluid and provide a growth medium for the bacteria and leads to the ear infections. These infections also lead to the blockage of the ears especially during cold.

Such cold and other ear infections occur commonly in children as the auditory tube is shorter, horizontal along with the smaller diameter. It makes the easy entry of bacteria. It makes the fluid movement more complex.

Conclusion

The auditory tube permits the passage of air between the middle ear cavity and the outside environment. Consequently, the air pressure usually remains alike on both the sides of eardrum.