Core otolaryngology (ENT) vocabulary in plain English: ear, nose and throat anatomy and common conditions — defined for nursing and pre-med students.
Last updated: September 22, 2026
Otolaryngology, commonly known as ENT, is the medical specialty devoted to the ear, nose and throat. Its vocabulary spans the anatomy of hearing and balance, the airway structures involved in breathing and swallowing, and the infections and disorders that commonly affect them. Mastering these terms is essential groundwork for nursing programs, pre-med coursework and any clinical role involving ENT care.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Tympanic membrane | The thin, cone-shaped membrane separating the outer ear from the middle ear, commonly called the eardrum. |
| Cochlea | The spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure of the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into nerve signals. |
| Eustachian tube | The narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat that equalizes air pressure. |
| Larynx | The structure at the top of the trachea containing the vocal cords, commonly called the voice box. |
| Pharynx | The muscular passage behind the nose and mouth that serves as a pathway for both air and food, commonly called the throat. |
| Epiglottis | The flap of cartilage that folds over the entrance of the larynx during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. |
| Paranasal sinus | Any of the air-filled cavities within the skull that surround the nasal passages. |
| Nasal septum | The wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils. |
| Vocal cords | The paired folds of tissue within the larynx that vibrate to produce sound. |
| Tinnitus | The perception of ringing, buzzing or other noise in the ears without an external source. |
| Vertigo | A sensation of spinning or dizziness often caused by inner ear dysfunction. |
| Dysphagia | Difficulty swallowing. |
| Dysphonia | An abnormal change in voice quality, often described as hoarseness. |
| Otalgia | Pain in the ear. |
| Epistaxis | Bleeding from the nose, commonly called a nosebleed. |
| Otitis media | Inflammation or infection of the middle ear. |
| Otitis externa | Inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal, commonly called swimmer's ear. |
| Sinusitis | Inflammation of the lining of the paranasal sinuses. |
| Tonsillitis | Inflammation of the tonsils. |
| Pharyngitis | Inflammation of the pharynx, commonly experienced as a sore throat. |
| Laryngitis | Inflammation of the larynx that often causes hoarseness or loss of voice. |
| Cholesteatoma | An abnormal collection of skin cells within the middle ear that can erode surrounding structures. |
| Tympanostomy | A surgical procedure that places a small tube through the eardrum to drain fluid and ventilate the middle ear. |
| Tonsillectomy | The surgical removal of the tonsils. |
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Start learning free →Otolaryngology vocabulary lets clinicians, students and patients describe ear, nose and throat anatomy and conditions precisely — from otitis media to sinusitis — which is essential for accurate documentation and communication in ENT care.
Yes. This vocabulary is core to US health programs — nursing school and NCLEX prep, pre-med, and medical assistant training. MediLearn lets you drill these terms with quizzes and flashcards using spaced repetition.
The structure at the top of the trachea containing the vocal cords, commonly called the voice box.
An abnormal change in voice quality, often described as hoarseness.
Inflammation of the pharynx, commonly experienced as a sore throat.