Eustachian tube

Eustachian yoo STAY shuhn, yoo STAY shee uhn, or yoo STAY kee uhn, tube, is a canal (passage) about 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) long, made of bone and cartilage, and lined with mucous membrane. Also called the auditory tube, it passes forward, in, and down from the middle-ear cavity to the throat. It allows air to pass from the throat to the middle ear. Opening the mouth or swallowing helps open the tube. Therefore, when descending in an elevator or airplane, opening the mouth or swallowing… More »