Theectotympanic, ortympanicum, is a bony structure found in allmammals, located on thetympanic part of the temporal bone, which holds thetympanic membrane (eardrum) in place. Incatarrhine primates (including humans), it takes a tube-shape.[1][2] Its position and attachment to theskull vary betweenprimates, and can be either inside or outside theauditory bulla.[3][4]
It is homologous with theangular bone of non-mammaliantetrapods. When the latter is present, it contacts theentotympanic.[5]
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