Pressure regulation in the middle ear cavity of sea lions: a possible mechanism.
The mucosa lining the cavity of the middle ear of sea lions contains a complex network of venous channels and sinuses. During dives the pressure within the middle ear may be equalized with that in the external auditory meatus either by the distention or depression of the mucosa due to the presence or absence of blood in the sinuses.
D000818:Animals; D002335:Carnivora / Q000502:physiology; D004242:Diving; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000502:physiology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000502:physiology*; D011312:Pressure