Epitympanic recess

The epitympanic recess is the portion of the tympanic cavity (of the middle ear) situated superior to the tympanic membrane.  The recess lodges the head of malleus, and the body of incus. 

The mastoid antrum is situated posterior to the recess and opens into the recess at the posterior wall of the recess via the aditus to mastoid antrum.  The ampulla of the lateral semicircular canal creates a prominence upon the medial wall of the recess. 

Clinical significance
This recess is a possible route of spread of infection to the mastoid air cells located in the mastoid process of the temporal bone of the skull. Inflammation which has spread to the mastoid air cells is very difficult to drain and causes considerable pain. Before the advent of antibiotics, it could only be drained by drilling a hole in the mastoid bone, a process known as mastoidectomy.