TYMPANIC MEMBRANE

Tympanic membrane commonly known as drum separates the external ear from the middle ear. It is pearly white in color and is semitranslucent. There are some landmarks on the tympanic membrane which are -

1. Handle of malleus which slants in posterior direction.
   
2. Cone of light which gets reflected in anteroinferior quadrant.
   
3. Umbo - the most prominent part of tympanic membrane
   
4. Anterior and postrrior malleolar folds - above these the tympanic membrane is called Pars Flaccida or sharpnell's membrane and below these is called pars tensa.
   
5. Long process of incus and incudo-stapedial joint.
   
6. Anterior process of malleus.