eardrum; tympanic membrane
Anatomical term for the thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear and vibrates in response to sound waves.
Loud sounds can rupture the eardrum.
Vibrations of the tympanic membrane are transmitted to the auditory ossicles.
The loud noise ruptured my eardrum.
Inserting a cotton swab too deeply can damage the eardrum.
Sound causes the eardrum to vibrate, allowing us to hear.