Eustachian tube

American  

[yoo-stey-shuhn, -stey-kee-uhn] / yuˈsteɪ ʃən, -ˈsteɪ ki ən /

noun

Anatomy.

1. a canal extending from the middle ear to the pharynx; auditory canal.

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Eustachian tube British  

/ juːˈsteɪʃən /

noun

1. a tube that connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx and equalizes the pressure between the two sides of the eardrum

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eustachian tube Scientific  

/ yo̅o̅-stā′shən /

1. A slender tube that connects the middle ear with the upper part of the pharynx, serving to equalize air pressure on either side of the eardrum.

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Eustachian tube Cultural  

1. A tube made up of bone and cartilage that connects the middle ear to the back of the mouth.

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Discover More

Swallowing during airplane takeoffs and landings allows air to move through the Eustachian tube to equalize pressure across the eardrum, causing the ears to “pop.”

Etymology

Origin of Eustachian tube

1735–45; named after Eustachio; see -an

Example Sentences

Inside the Eustachian tube the malleus, which touches the inside of the tympanum, is attached to the incus, which is in turn attached to the horseshoe-shaped stapes.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The middle ear is connected to the pharynx through the Eustachian tube, which helps equilibrate air pressure across the tympanic membrane.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Following one of these infections, the Eustachian tube becomes inflamed and blocked.

From The Guardian • Sep. 7, 2010

The constant sucking can cause harm to the Eustachian tube, making it more difficult for the middle ear to drain.

From Time Magazine Archive

Incidentally, another piece of tubing in the body, the Eustachian tube linking the middle ear to the pharynx, was also described around this time, by Bartolomeo Eustachio.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin