Mastoid tubule

The mastoid canal is a complex anatomically created element of the ear, which is based on the affected tissue of the mastoid process, consisting of connective fibers. An important and main purpose is to remove fluid from the auditory tube and prevent infections. This element consists exclusively of tissue remnants, which are located mainly near the eardrum; it is connected to the superficial phase of the temporal bone. A canal is formed through the mastoid process to the skull.

The mastoid (or mastoid) canal is one of the important elements of the middle ear and belongs to the inner ear. It is a narrow canal that connects the middle and outer ears, passing through the bone of the human skull - the mastoid. Located on the lateral surface of the skull, this formation, in addition to the mastoid canal, also contains processes of the temporal bone - accessible to us as the auricle and tragus, as well as the pyramids of the temporal part of the head.

The mastoid canal is about ten millimeters long and is divided by a septum into two compartments - the outer and the middle. Of the two openings connected to the cavity of the outer ear, the middle one is usually a couple of millimeters wide. Other important indicators that distinguish the mastoid canal are the degree of patency and the size of the middle opening. The outer hole is visible even to the naked eye.

The air filling the cavity of the mastoid canal (scientifically: a lining like the film of the pharyngeal opening or sinus) performs the respiratory function, releasing steam and other waste products of the body. It contains important elements of the middle ear - the auditory tube, the eardrum and other structures. A feature of the mastoid notch is that its contents have no connection with the sinuses of the jaw (this includes the sinus, maxillary and other spaces), merging with the mediastinum.

In its normal state, the mastoid sinus is able to function normally, but in some cases its pathologies are observed. In particular, the following reasons for problems with it are identified:

Damage to the sternoclavicular joint Traumatic brain injuries Severe spinal injuries Damage to the chest wall, and in extreme cases, the entire body

However, in most cases, lesions of the mastoid sinus are accompanied by lesions of the external ear. Accordingly, all diseases of the latter are associated with the disease of the former. In medical practice, such diseases are classified as tumor and inflammatory diseases of the mastoid concha. In addition, they are divided into infectious and non-infectious. Also, painful manifestations of the mastoid bone are divided into general and local.