Craniotympanic

/ˌkreɪniəʊtɪmˈpænɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to both the skull and the middle ear cavity or eardrum.

Etymology

From cranio- (skull) + tympanic (relating to the tympanum or eardrum, from Greek tympanon 'drum'). A modern medical term combining two anatomical regions that share important structural relationships.

Kelly Says

The craniotympanic nerve is tiny but crucial—it connects your brain to the muscles of your ear, which is why certain skull fractures can affect your hearing even when the ear itself seems fine.

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