Sectional anatomy of auditory tube

Abstract

The auditory tube connects the tympanic cavity with nasopharynx. Due to its structure and position it is difficult to demonstrate the auditory tube in its whole length, and to study its topography on anatomical specimens. The purpose of our study was to present sectional anatomy of auditory tube in order to facilitate understanding of its structure and topography. We utilised serial sections of cadaveric head in four planes: transverse, oblique, frontal and sagittal. The osseous part of the auditory tube was demonstrated on transverse sections, and most of the cartilaginous part on oblique sections of head and neck. The tensor veli palati muscle was found to consist of bilaminar muscle sheet: the outer part originating from the skull base and the inner part originating from lateral cartilaginous lamina and membranous part of the tube. Topographic relations seen on four section planes were described in detail. The structure, course and topography of auditory tube are well demonstrated on sectional images. Detailed knowledge of sectional anatomy of the auditory tube is important for interpretation of corresponding computerised tomographic and magnetic resonance images, and in understanding the disorders and diseases affecting middle ear and mastoid.