Mucous glands in the middle ear - what is known and what is not.
A review of acquired and lacking knowledge on mucous glands in the human middle ear is presented. Investigations on whole-mount and section preparations from fetuses, prematures and infants, normal and slightly abnormal children and adults are reviewed in detail. It is concluded that mucous glands are not a normal, but a pathological component of the middle ear mucosa. Gland formation and degeneration are described. Theories on pathogenesis are discussed and new ideas for further research are indicated.
Tos
Mirko
M
Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Gentofte University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark. mirko.tos@dadlnet.dk
Caye-Thomasen
Per
P
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000473:pathology*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000473:pathology; D020397:Goblet Cells / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000473:pathology; D007223:Infant; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000473:pathology*