Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University ›› 2019, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (5): 6-10.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1673-3770.1.2019.038

• Invited Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Physiology and pathology review of the middle ear muscles

Zhao HAN1,2,3(),Juan DING1,2,3   

  1. 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye and Nasopharyngeal Hospital, Fudan University
    2. Shanghai Hearing Medicine Center
    3. Key Laboratory of Auditory Medicine, National Health and Wellness Committee (Fudan University), Shanghai 200031, China
  • Received:2019-06-06 Revised:2019-08-06 Online:2019-09-20 Published:2019-10-15
  • Contact: Zhao HAN E-mail:sfhanzao@163.com

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Abstract:

With the complex anatomy of the human ear, we need to better understand the physiological and pathological characteristics of the “noise reduction system” of the ear, the most critical part being the middle ear muscle (MEM). MEMs play an important protective role by constantly monitoring acoustic input and dynamically adjusting hearing sensitivity, to enhance external sounds and to reduce transmission of loud sound through the middle ear. If the MEMs lose the ability to regulate cramps, spasms, or dystonia in the ear, the resulting abnormal pressure can have a significant impact on internal cellular pressure, which can cause some otologic disorders including tinnitus, Meniere’s disease, and sensorineural hearing loss. This literature review aims to explain the physiological structure and function of MEMs and discuss several otological disorders associated with MEM dysfunction.

Key words: Middle ear muscle, Tensor tympani muscle, Stapedius muscle, Meniere’s disease, Hyperacusis

CLC Number: 

  • R764

Fig.1

Inner structure of the middle ear"

Fig.2

Middle ear muscles. Panel A shows the tympanic membrane (red) attached to the malleus and the tibialis (grey) attached to the tibia. When the tympanic membrane is contracted, the ossicular chain is pulled forward, forcing the tibia into the cochlea and increasing the pressure of the fluid in the inner eardrum. Figure B is a three-dimensional reconstruction of histopathology. The middle ear muscles are red, the ossicular chain is yellow, and the tympanic membrane is green. The arrows indicate the motion caused by contraction of the tympanic membrane. Image is provided by R. Pennings and M.Bance, Dalhosie University [20]."

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