Tympanic cavity proper

The tympanic cavity proper refers to that part of the middle ear space that lies adjacent and below the level of the tympanic membrane. It is continuous above with the epitympanic recess. Together they constitute the middle ear cavity (or the tympanic cavity). The space is filled with air and is lined by mucous membrane. It is situated within the petrous part of the temporal bone.

To summarize: Tympanic cavity proper (epitympanic recess & mesotympanum) + hypotympanum = Tympanic (or middle ear) cavity. For details regarding the communications of the tympanic cavity, please refer to the link here: Tympanic cavity.

There are three small interconnected bony auditory ossicles–the malleus, incus and stapes–situated within the tympanic cavity. Out of these, the long handle of malleus, which attaches to the tympanic membrane, and the long limb of the incus along with the stapes, are situated within the tympanic cavity proper. Please note that the head of malleus and body of incus and its short limb, are more superiorly situated and therefore come to lie within the domain of the epitympanic recess. Details about the ossicular function and associated muscles (i.e. tensor tympani and stapedius) can be found here: Tympanic cavity.

Sensory innervation from the mucous lining of the tympanic cavity comes off via the tympanic plexus, that is formed primarily by the tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve. An important nerve, called the chorda tympani, traverses through the middle ear cavity, hence, infection of middle ear cavity (otitis media) could possibly lead to an impaired taste sensation.

The tympanic cavity (including the tympanic cavity proper) resembles a box-like space which has anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, superior and inferior walls to it. Please refer to the complete description of tympanic cavity to understand its relations with important structures in the vicinity.