What is the function of the tympanic membrane?

The tympanic membrane, commonly known as the eardrum, plays a crucial role in the auditory system by transmitting sound waves. When sound waves enter the ear canal, they strike the tympanic membrane, causing it to vibrate. These vibrations then transfer to the ossicles, a series of small bones in the middle ear, which amplify the sound before it reaches the inner ear. This mechanism is essential for converting sound energy from the environment into mechanical energy that can be processed by the auditory system.

While the tympanic membrane also provides some protection for the inner ear and can be indirectly involved in maintaining balance by participating in the overall ear structure, its primary function is to transmit sound waves efficiently, making it pivotal in the hearing process.