The Physiology of the Apocrine (Ceruminous) Gland of the Human Ear Canal

Abstract

The medical literature in general, and the otology journals in particular, abound in studies on the etiology, classification and treatment of otitis externa, but only a few investigators have studied the physiology of the ceruminous gland (1, 2). The marked histologic resemblance between the ceruminous gland in the human ear canal and the apocrine gland in the axilla of man is well known. The apocrine gland in the axilla has recently received due attention and much has been learned of its physiology (3, 4). By reason of these studies we are now in a better position to understand some of the pathologic processes occurring in this gland (5). We felt that similar investigations into the physiologic processes of the ceruminous gland might not only illuminate the relationship of these two glands but might also provide a fresh approach to the problem of otitis externa.