How does the tympanic membrane appear under a microscope?

The tympanic membrane, or eardrum, is a thin, semitransparent structure. Histologically, it has three layers: the outer cutaneous layer (continuous with the external auditory canal's skin), the middle fibrous layer (comprising radial and circular collagen fibers for tensile strength), and the inner mucous layer (simple cuboidal epithelium continuous with the middle ear lining). The structural integrity and flexibility of these fibers are crucial for sound transmission.