PMID: 8588652Jul 1, 1995Paper

Epitympanic compartment surgical considerations: reevaluation

The American Journal of Otology
T Palva, L G Johnsson

Abstract

The epitympanic compartments and the anatomy of the atticotympanic diaphragm were examined in a pair of serially sectioned temporal bones with secretory otitis media and chronic otitis media, respectively. Findings confirmed reports of 19th century scientists in that Prussak's space has a wide connection to the mesotympanum through the posterior pouch of Tröltsch and may have an additional narrow passage in its roof to the lateral malleal space. The lateral incudomalleal fold regularly separates the upper lateral attic from the lower lateral attic and the mesotympanum. The medial incudal fold as a rule is atrophic already at birth. The anterior tympanic isthmus thus extends from the tensor tympani tendon to the posterior incudal ligament and is the main passage for epitympanic and mastoid aeration. Opening(s) in the tensor fold, when present, are also important. In some ears, the posterior tympanic isthmus may form an auxiliary narrow route for aeration via the incudal fossa. The isthmi may be blocked by middle ear infection, which can lead to chronic mastoid and attic disease. Pathways for cholesteatoma spread in the epitympanum are discussed.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
T PalvaHans Ramsay
The American Journal of Otology
T PalvaT Böhling
The American Journal of Otology
T Palva, Hans Ramsay
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved