title: Tympanic membrane and otitis media.
abstract: The tympanic membrane participates in several ways in the middle ear defense system. It may act as a baroreceptor, contains an important neural network with neurogenic inflammatory mediators, and is particularly rich in mast cells. Histological changes of the tympanic membrane in purulent, serous and chronic otitis media are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Egas Moniz, Faculty of Medical Sciences, New University of Lisbon, Portugal.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ruah
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Penha
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schachern
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paparella
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000473:pathology; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000502:physiology; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000473:pathology; D010035:Otitis Media, Suppurative / Q000473:pathology; D011311:Pressoreceptors / Q000503:physiopathology; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides