Which part of the ear is affected by otitis media?

Otitis media specifically refers to an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. This condition often occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear behind the eardrum, usually as a result of another respiratory illness or allergy. The middle ear is the space between the eardrum and the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in hearing by transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

Understanding the anatomy of the ear helps clarify why the correct answer focuses on the middle ear. The outer ear comprises the visible part of the ear and the ear canal, while the inner ear contains structures such as the cochlea and vestibular apparatus that are involved in balance and hearing. The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, can become blocked or dysfunctional during otitis media, contributing to the condition, but it's the middle ear itself that is primarily affected by the infection. Thus, the correct response highlights the area where the disease process occurs.