Tympanal organ
- Pronunciation
- /tim-PAN-uhl OR-gan/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Tympanal organ
- Plural
- Tympanal organs
Definition
A specialized auditory structure found in some insects, such as moths, butterflies, and grasshoppers, which detects sound vibrations.
Etymology
From Greek 'tympanon', meaning 'drum', and Latin 'organum', meaning 'instrument' or 'tool'.
Example
The tympanal organ of a grasshopper is located on its abdomen and helps it detect the calls of predators and mates.
Synonyms
- Auditory organ
- Hearing organ
Related Terms
- Acoustics
- Sound reception
- Vibrations
- Insect hearing
Usage Notes
The sensitivity and location of tympanal organs can vary widely among different insect species.