title: Holographic vibration analysis of the ossicular chain.
abstract: The mechanics of movement of the ossicular chain has been investigated on human temporal bone preparations by means of time average holography. The malleus and incus moved like a lever around an axis, which position was somewhat dependent upon frequency. Simulation of contraction of the muscles of the middle ear gave as result a change in the pattern of movement of the ossicular chain. The position of the rotatory axis was changed, and the amplitudes of vibration were reduced. This should be a protecting mechanism.
mesh_terms: D001344:Autopsy; D004429:Ear Ossicles / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D006696:Holography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007188:Incus / Q000502:physiology; D008307:Malleus / Q000502:physiology; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D013199:Stapes / Q000502:physiology; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000502:physiology*; D013719:Tensor Tympani / Q000502:physiology