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Valve section of the eustachian tube

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Chih-Ying Su
Chih-Ying Su*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Medical College and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center, Taiwan, R.O.C.
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Chih-Ying Su, Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 123 Ta Pei Road, Niao Surg Hsiang, Kaohsiung Hsein, Taiwan(R.O.C.) Fax: (07) 7318762
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Abstract

Research on the eustachian tube (ET) and related paratubal structures was carried out by serial section of the temporal bone-ET specimens. In the cadaveric studies, the mid-cartilaginous section of the ET presented a curved slit-like lumen. It is believed that this section functions principally as a valve mechanism and acts like an active sphincter of the ET. This report illustrates the dynamic movement of the valve section in a living ET which can be observed by using a superfine fibreoptic videomicroendoscope. Disorders of the open-close mechanism of the valve section in a diseased ET due to different aetiologies are also discussed. This study indicated that transtympanic ET microendoscopy had considerable potential for exploring fascinating new aspects of the physiology, pathophysiology and anatomy dynamics of the ET.

Keywords

Eustachian tubeAnatomyPhysiologyPathologyEndoscopy
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 109 , Issue 6 , June 1995 , pp. 486 - 490
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1995

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Footnotes

Presented in part at the Fourth Research Workshop on the Biology, Prevention, and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Arlington, Virginia, 9 September 1994.

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