Are two muscles needed for the normal functioning of the mammalian middle ear?
Why do two muscles occur in the middle ear of most mammals? In this article selected explanations as to why two muscles occur are critically evaluated. It is argued that these explanations are not compelling. Data are then reviewed that indicate that the tensor tympani has no function to fulfil in the normal operation of the middle ear.
D000818:Animals; D006309:Hearing / Q000502:physiology; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology*; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D013198:Stapedius / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D013719:Tensor Tympani / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000502:physiology*