Question #287
Which of the following statements is incorrect. The Eustachian tube:
The eustachian (auditory/pharyngotympanic) tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. The tympanic posterolateral third is bony, the medial two thirds are cartilaginous and opens into the nasal cavity posterior to the inferior meatus.
The cartilaginous part is usually collapsed but opens up on swallowing or yawning, due to the actions of levator and tensor veli palati. This allows pressure equalisation between the middle ear and the atmosphere.
Blood supply is from the ascending pharyngeal artery and branches of the maxillary artery.