Pars flaccida

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 30 Jul 2024

The pars flaccida (plural: partes flaccidae), also known as Shrapnell's membrane, is the flaccid portion of the tympanic membrane and represents a small portion of the membrane. It lies superior to the anterior and posterior malleolar folds. When compared to pars tensa, the middle fibrous layer is poorly developed in pars flaccida, contributing to its flaccid nature. 

It extends upwards from the anterior and posterior malleolar folds at the level of the lateral process of malleus. Hence, it sits between the scutum and malleus.

Related pathology

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