What Is In That Ear?

Discussion The external auditory canal mainly derives from the ectoderm however it abuts other structures which arise from mesodermal or endodermal tissues. The lateral 1/3 is primarily cartilaginous with the inner 2/3rd being bony with the tympanic, temporal and mastoid bone forming various parts. The canal is lined with squamous epithelium and has various structures such as sebaceous glands, hair follicles and of course ceruminous glands. It is not surprising that this structure is subject to obstruction given its small size. Cerumen, hair and other cellular debris may become impacted if they are not regularly expelled from the canal through movement of the contents and also through water/soap during washing of the head. Because of mild irritation and/or pressure or decreased hearing, people may also insert foreign bodies to move the cerumen and may cause impaction and/or retention of the object. Children often will explore their bodies and insert small foreign objects into various body parts including the external auditory canal. Complications of cerumen can be reviewed here. Therefore it is not uncommon that health care providers encounter middle ear obstructions especially cerumen plugs or foreign bodies. Otitis externa is often caused by retention of cerumen and debris and water that is blocked by the debris setting up a usually minor infection but which can be quite painful and may need debridement. A review of otitis externa can be viewed here. Much less commonly do o...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news