Eustachian tube

[ yoo-stey-shuhn, -stey-kee-uhn ]

noun

, Anatomy.

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

Eustachian tube

/ juːˈsteɪʃən /

noun

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

eustachian tube

/ 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.

Eustachian tube

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

Notes

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.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Eustachian tube¹

1735–45; named after Eustachio; -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of Eustachian tube¹

C18: named after Bartolomeo Eustachio, 16th-century Italian anatomist

Example Sentences

Eustachian Tube—A tube leading from the side of the throat to the internal ear.

From Project Gutenberg

Amongst his discoveries were the eustachian tube and the eustachian valve of the heart.

From Project Gutenberg

The middle ear is connected with the throat by the Eustachian Tube.

From Project Gutenberg