Middle Ear

Ear anatomy including the parts of the middle ear

Most ear infections form in the middle ear. The eustachian tube carries fluid from the middle ear to the throat. Sometimes during a cold, the eustachian tube becomes swollen and fluid is trapped in the middle ear. Bacteria or viruses can grow in this fluid and form an ear infection.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSusan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerCharles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
Last RevisedSeptember 10, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: September 10, 2012
Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology

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