Tendon of which muscle passes through the pyramid in middle ear
**Core Concept**
The tensor tympani muscle plays a crucial role in regulating sound pressure in the middle ear. Its tendon passes through the middle ear, specifically through the pyramid, to connect with the malleus bone.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The tensor tympani muscle is innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3). When stimulated, this muscle contracts and pulls on its tendon, which is attached to the handle of the malleus. This action reduces the mobility of the malleus and tympanic membrane, thereby decreasing sound pressure in the middle ear. This mechanism helps to protect the inner ear from loud sounds.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The stapedius muscle is incorrect because its tendon does not pass through the pyramid in the middle ear. Instead, its tendon is attached to the head of the stapes bone.
**Option B:** The tensor veli palatini muscle is incorrect because its tendon passes through the tensor veli palatini canal, not the pyramid in the middle ear.
**Option C:** The posterior canal fibers of the stapedius muscle are incorrect because they are part of the stapedius muscle, which does not have a tendon passing through the pyramid.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The tensor tympani muscle is an important structure in the middle ear, and its dysfunction can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus. It is also worth noting that the tensor tympani muscle is one of the three muscles of the middle ear, along with the stapedius muscle and the tensor veli palatini muscle.
**Correct Answer:** C.