Eustachian Tract: Function and Anatomy

KOMPAS.com – eustachian tube is the canal that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, which consists of the upper throat and the back of the nasal cavity.

The eustachian tube controls the pressure inside the middle ear and makes it equal to the air pressure outside the body.

Reported from Healthline, most of the time, eustachian tube closed and only open during activities such as yawning, swallowing, and chewing to allow air to pass between the middle ear and the nasopharynx.

When the eustachian tube does not open enough to equalize the pressure, symptoms such as discomfort, dizziness, or ringing in the ear often occur.

Collect Verywell Health, The eustachian tube has three functions in maintaining the health of the middle ear, namely:

Read also: Alveolus Function and How It Works

1. Keep the air pressure the same on both sides of the ear drum

2. Remove secretions from the middle ear

3. Protects the middle ear from bacteria and viruses

To maintain proper middle ear function, the eustachian tube space must be free of fluid and other debris.

Cilia and mucosal folds in the eustachian tube are thought to work together to actively drain the mucus produced in the middle ear.

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