Vascular Supply of the Tympanic Membrane and the Ossicular Chain

Abstract

The ossicular chain is partly supplied by nutrient arteries penetrating the bone, and branching into an extensive network of mucosal vessels. Although the arteries are usually well visible in specimens treated by the injection technique, the mucosal network is more easily and more reliably identified by the staining method used in the present study. This network is particularly important for vascularization of the processes of the incus and malleus; as far as the stapes is concerned, it is the only source of blood to its footplate.

The method used in the present study has proved to be highly suitable for investigation of the mucosal blood supply in the auditory ossicles. This suggests that it will be of value for studies of the circulation in grafts in the middle ear and tympanic membrane.