Ciliary Activity and Middle Ear Clearance

TLDR

Previous work described the microscopic structure of the middle ear lining and linked these studies to the evaluation of patients with large tympanic membrane perforations. The authors aim to qualitatively assess the function of ciliary pathways in the human middle ear in vivo. They observed and photographed foreign material movement over the mucus blanket during preparation for myringoplasty or tympanoplasty, using this to evaluate middle ear clearance. Histochemical and phase‑microscopy studies revealed that the anterior two‑thirds of the middle ear lining contains mucosa‑bearing cilia secreting mucus that likely forms a functional mucus blanket.

Abstract

IN A PREVIOUS COMMUNICATION^1,2we described the microscopic structure of the middle ear lining. It was pointed out that the anterior half or two thirds of the middle ear lining is a true mucosa-bearing cilia and secreting mucus, which in all probability forms a functional mucus blanket (Fig 1). The secreted mucus and secreting glands were demonstrated histochemically; the cilia were best seen with phase microscopy. It is our purpose now to report qualitative studies on the function of the ciliary pathways in the human middle ear in vivo. This was done by observing and photographing the movement of foreign materials over the mucus blanket in the middle ear. These studies were part of the workup of patients suffering from large perforations in their ear drums. The ears were prepared for myringoplasty or tympanoplasty, and the studies helped in determining middle ear clearance. <h3>Method and Material</h3> The procedure consisted