This is a groove formed on the internal aspect of the ring of bone. This groove is the attachment site for the anterior and inferior margins of the tympanic membrane.

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. Sulcus is Latin for groove or a long, shallow, open channel in the bone.

Sulcus tympanicus

Sillon tympanique