This is a spine-like projection of the bone inferior and posterior to the opening of the external acoustic meatus.

Major comes from the Latin maior meaning greater. There is no clear evidence of the mention of the tympanic membrane or eardrum in ancient anatomical history. It was first described in the literature in 1255 by Albertus Magnus. He named it the tympanum auris because of its resemblance to a drum. It comes from the Greek word tympanon meaning drum. Spine is derived from the Latin spina meaning a thorn. Anatomists use the term to designate pointed projections of bone.