[Tensor veli palatini and tensor tympani muscles: anatomical, functional and symptomatic links].
OBJECTIVE
Temporomandibular disorders are associated with symptoms such as tinnitus, vertigo, sensation of hearing loss, ear fullness and otalgia. The connection and dysfunction of the tensor tympani and tensor veli palatini muscles seems to be associated with the aforementioned symptoms. We seek to demonstrate and explain this connection through the morphometry of these structures.


METHODS
We studied 22 paired blocks and 1 left side of human temporal bone. Digital measurements were made of the tensor tympani muscles and stapes.


RESULTS
The average length of the stapedial muscle was 5.8 mm SD 0.61, and that of the tensor tympani was 19.69 mm SD 1.07. Anatomical connections were found in all the samples between the tensor veli palatini muscles through a common tendon.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for an interdisciplinary management between physician and specialized dentist in cases of craniofacial pain.
Ramirez Aristeguieta
Luis Miguel
LM
Investigación Odontología, Universidad Santo Tomas de Aquino, Bucaramanga, Colombia. lmra3@yahoo.com
Ballesteros Acuña
Luis Ernesto
LE
Sandoval Ortiz
Germán Pablo
GP
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002508:Cephalometry; D004429:Ear Ossicles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013710:Tendons / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D013719:Tensor Tympani / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology