Question

Using the otoscope, the tympanic membrane is visualized. The color of the membrane is:

A. Deep pink
B. Creamy white
C. Pearly gray
D. Dependent on the ethnicity of the individual

Answer 1

The tympanic membrane is typically pearly gray in color, a critical structure for conductive hearing, and its color is not affected by ethnicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The color of a healthy tympanic membrane is typically a pearly gray. This membranous structure vibrates upon receiving sound waves, playing a critical role in the process of conductive hearing. The tympanic membrane's color is not dependent on an individual's ethnicity. When using an otoscope for examination, a healthy eardrum appears as pearly gray, whereas discoloration can indicate pathology, such as infection or inflammation.