If a cotton swab is pushed too far inside the ear, what could it potentially puncture?

When a cotton swab is pushed too far into the ear, it can potentially puncture the tympanic membrane, commonly known as the eardrum. The tympanic membrane is a thin layer of tissue that separates the outer ear from the middle ear and is crucial for hearing. It vibrates in response to sound waves, allowing for the conversion of sound into auditory signals that the brain can interpret.

If excessive pressure is applied or if the swab is inserted too deep, it can cause a rupture or perforation of this membrane. This type of injury can lead to pain, hearing loss, and an increased risk of ear infections, as it can allow bacteria or other pathogens to enter the middle ear.

In contrast, the auditory canal (which leads to the eardrum) and the outer ear (the part of the ear visible externally) are not as vulnerable to puncture because they are made up of more resilient tissue. The inner ear, which contains structures for hearing and balance, is also not directly punctured by objects entering the auditory canal. Thus, the tympanic membrane is the area most at risk when a cotton swab is pushed too far into the ear.