This illustration is intended for use in an otolaryngologist’s office to instruct patients on the muscles that control the shape of the Eustachian tubes, levator veli palatini and tensor veli palatini. This anterior view of the open mouth’s connection to the Eustachian tubes and middle ear is not commonly illustrated but chosen because it is easy for patients to understand and clearly shows the muscles’ interactions with the Eustachian tubes.

The Eustachian tubes’ ability to equalize air pressure in the middle ears is often confusing to patients. The eardrum (tympanic membrane) does not allow air from the auditory canal into the middle ear, which in occasions of air pressure changes can be painful. With the help of levator veli palatini and tensor veli palatini the Eustachian tubes allow air to the middle ears from the throat when the mouth is opened widely.

Style: Full Color

Media: Graphite, Photoshop


Original Drawings

Here are the uncropped original drawings that were used to produce the poster. The final illustration was cropped because the anatomy is symmetrical and the entire face was unnecessary to show the desired elements.