The pharyngotympanic tube connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx (Fig. 8.122) and equalizes pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane. Its opening in the middle ear is on the anterior wall, and from here it extends forward, medially, and downward to enter the nasopharynx just posterior to the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity. It consists of: a bony part (the one-third nearest the middle ear); and a cartilaginous part (the remaining two-thirds).