Tympanic ring

The tympanic ring or the tympanic annulus, is a ring-like fibrocartilaginous structure that encircles the tense portion of the eardrum, known as the pars tensa. This forms the main part of the tympanic membrane. The tympanic ring resembles a horseshoe, with an open superior edge at the tympanic notch or the notch of Rivinus. This notch is where the pars flaccida, the smaller and more relaxed section of the tympanic membrane–the pars flaccida–resides. The tympanic ring fits into the tympanic sulcus, which is a groove in the bony wall of the external auditory canal, securing the tympanic membrane in place. This tympanic ring is essential for our hearing as it maintains the position of the tympanic membrane which transmits sound waves from the external auditory canal to the ossicular chain.