Morphology of the human tympanic membrane annulus

Firas Kassem*, Dov Ophir, Joelle Bernheim, Gilead Berger

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the full panoramic view with figuring of the morphology and topography of the human tympanic annulus. STUDY DESIGN: Postmortem material analysis. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-three single, normal human adult tympanic membranes were completely extracted from formalin-fixed temporal bones. They were faced medially and placed at the same level of a graph paper mounted on a board. High-quality images of the tissue preparations were taken, and computer-aided measurements of the annular caliber were calculated at nine reference points. The 6 o'clock direction served as a midpoint, and another four reference points were set anteriorly and posteriorly in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. RESULTS: The annulus has a horseshoe-like shape with a small part absent above the neck of the malleus. The maximal mean caliber at the manubrial axis (6 o'clock direction) was 748 ± 201 μm. The annulus gradually thins out almost symmetrically anteriorly and posteriorly, until it reaches about 15 percent of the maximal caliber at its end points (152 ± 87 and 113 ± 42 μm, respectively). Significant differences were found between adjacent reference points on both anterior and posterior sides. CONCLUSIONS: The annulus has a horseshoe-like shape and gradually thins out almost symmetrically, reaching anteriorly and posteriorly about 15 percent of the maximal caliber at the manubrial axis. These new data may provide guidance in transcanal middle ear exploration and suggest the possibility of varied functions attributable to the annulus regarding middle ear sound transmission and TM vibratory properties. The data may contribute to understanding the development of marginal perforations and posterior superior retraction pockets.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)682-687
Number of pages6
JournalOtolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Volume142
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2010

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Morphology of the human tympanic membrane annulus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this