tensor tympani (Toynbee's muscle)

Origin

• cartilagenous part of the auditory (eustachian) tube
• walls of the its hemi-canal just above the bony portion of the auditory tube

Insertion

• handle of malleus

Action

• draws handle of malleus medial, tensing the tympanic membrane to protect it from excessive vibration from loud noise

Innervation

• branches of trigeminal nerve through otic ganglion (CN V)

More general terms

• ear structure

Component of

• middle ear