Final answer:
To visualize the tympanic membrane during a physical examination, a medical assistant should provide an otoscope to the physician, which allows for a thorough examination of the ear canal and the eardrum.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a physical examination to visualize the tympanic membrane, also known as the ear drum, a medical assistant (MA) should hand an otoscope to the physician. An otoscope is a medical device designed for the examination of the ears. It has a light and a magnifying lens to help the physician see the ear canal and the tympanic membrane clearly. This allows the healthcare professional to check for signs of infection, blockage, or any other ear problems, as it can reveal the condition of the ear drum and whether there is a buildup of earwax or an infection present.
Audition, or hearing, involves the transduction of sound waves through parts of the ear, such as the auricle and the auditory canal, eventually causing the tympanic membrane to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted through the ossicles in the middle ear to the inner ear. During the examination, the otoscope provides a visual assessment of these structures and helps in diagnosing middle or external ear conditions.