Normal Pediatric Auditory Anatomy

It may be helpful to review the anatomy of the normal ear, before focusing on otitis media. The next few pages will emphasize some key elements of the normal ear, particularly relating to the middle ear and eustachian tube. Take your time to examine the graphics, locate the important landmarks, and respond to "Instant feedback" questions.

Move the cursor over the graphic to identify structures.

The interactive graphic above illustrates the anatomy and surrounding structures of the middle ear.

• Locate the turbinates
• Locate the soft palate
• Locate the nasopharynx
• Locate the adenoids
• Note the location of the opening to the eustachian tube.
• Note the proximity of the adenoids to the eustachian tube opening

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