Experimental Study of the Eustachian Tube Function with Regard to its Related Muscles

Abstract

Utilizing electromyography and electrical muscle stimulation, the muscle responsible for opening the Eustachian tube was examined in 12 dogs. Different time values for tubal opening and levator activity indicate little contribution of the levator in the functioning of the tube. By relatively low stimulation of the tensor, the tube opened consistently, while the levator failed to produce any dilation of the tube, regardless of the amount of stimulation, in 6 dogs. Thus, it is concluded that the sole muscle responsible for tubal opening is the tensor, while the levator does not participate in the functioning of the tube.