Final answer:
The tympanic thermometer is inserted into the external auditory canal, ending at the tympanic membrane or eardrum. This allows for the non-invasive and rapid measurement of body temperature using infrared technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tympanic thermometer is inserted into the external auditory canal which leads to the tympanic membrane, commonly known as the eardrum. Infrared ear thermometers, like the one developed by the Diatek Corporation and NASA, leverage infrared technology to measure the temperature by detecting the energy emitted by the tympanic membrane. These thermometers offer a quick and non-invasive way to measure body temperature, eliminating cross infection risks associated with traditional methods and providing a rapid solution for assessing the temperature of newborns, critically ill, or incapacitated patients.
The external ear consists of the auricle or pinna, the ear canal, and the tympanic membrane. This part of the ear conducts sound waves into the middle ear, where they are amplified by three small bones, the malleus, incus, and stapes, known as the ossicles, before reaching the inner ear. The middle ear is an air-filled space that plays a critical role in hearing but is also where the tip of the tympanic thermometer is placed for temperature measurement.