Middle ear mucosal compartm

Abstract

Mucosal folds of middle ear are not a significant barrier in spread of infection cholesteatoma spread towards the least resistance and usually follow the folds. The mucosa of the middle ear is continuous with that of the pharynx via Eustachian tube. It covers the ossicles, muscles, nerves and forms the inner layer of tympanic membrane. Mucosal fold are of two types Composite Fold – these are of ligament with lining mucosa. Duplicate Fold – Fusion of two expanding sacs in absence of any interposing structure. Epitympanic Diaphragm it is an oblique dividing septum between the posterior superior attic and anteroinferior mesotympanium. It comprises of anterior malleolar ligament, lateral malleolar ligament, posterior malleolar ligament, lateral incudal fold, tensor tympani fold and posterior incudal ligament fold. Tympanic Isthimus is 2.5 mm elongated narrow space in epitympanic diaphragm present naturally and provides ventilation. Key message is tensor tympani fold and anterior Pouch of VonTroltsch is responsible for ventilation of anterior compartment. It is extremely important to understand and restore the functional anatomy, proper gas exchange and mucosal clearance from the middle ear compartment. The obstruction site is at tympanic isthimus. It is crucial to visualise and clearance of disease to restore ventilation. In surgical procedures of ear just removal of tensor tympani fold along with resection of Cog provides good results by providing ventilation of attic, mastoid air cells and a successful tympanoplasty.