Question

Eustachian tube connects

• A. External ear and middle ear
• B. External ear and pharynx
• C. Middle ear and pharynx
• D. Middle ear and inner ear

Answer 1

The correct option is C Middle ear and pharynx

Ear have three divisions: external, middle and internal. The external ear consists of external flap, pinna, and auditory canal. The middle ear starts with tympanic membrane, which separates external ear and middle ear, and ends with a bony wall containing two small openings (round and oval window).

The auditory canal or eustachian tube extends from middle ear to nasopharynx and opens briefly during swallowing.

External ear is not connected to pharynx. Three small bones present between tympanic membrane and inner ear are collectively referred to as ossicles; these are namely malleus, incus and stapes. The malleus is present towards the outside and is adhered to the tympanic membrane. Stapes, through its oval footplate, is connected to the oval window of inner ear.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C.