Eustachian tube

The Eustachian tube or auditive horn (in new nomenclature) was described for the first time in 1543 by the Italian doctor Bartolomeo Eustachi or Eustachio (v.1500-v.1574) the Eustachian tube is a conduit osseous and fibro-cartilagineux connecting the former wall of the average Oreille to the Rhinopharynx, i.e. the back Nez.

Functions

The Eustachian tube plays a part in several functions:

a Mechanical function , its closing prevents the introduction of agents Pathogène S, of nasal secretions in the middle ear, but also the arrival of vocal sounds directly in this cavity;
a function of clearance muco-ciliaire, in its low part, closest to the Rhinopharynx, charged to evacuate the awkward bodies of the middle ear;
a function équipressive, charged to equalize the pressure on the two sides of the tympanum to avoid its rupture in the event of great difference in pressure between the external medium and the middle ear.

The Eustachian tube is a narrow conduit which connects the middle ear and the rhinopharynx (the part of the throat which is located above the veil of the Palais, behind of the nose). It is almost 3 cm long. Its medium is the narrowest part.

The function of the horn is to equalize the pressures between the middle ear normally filled with air and the external medium.

Under the normal conditions, the horn, closed at rest, opens during a fraction of a second at the time of the Déglutition or a yawn. At this time, the air remains in the middle ear and replaces that which was absorbed by the Muqueuse or corrects the pressure which was modified by a change of altitude. All that can disturb the operation of the Eustachian tube will cause disorders of the middle ear with repercussion on hearing.

The obstruction or the blocking of the Eustachian tube will involve by resorption of the air a decrease in pressure in the middle ear, with retraction of the tympanum. In the adult, this results in a feeling of tension, full ear, discomfort, auditive fall and buzz. If the disorders persist, from the liquid will diffuse and replace the air, creating a Otite Séreuse (there exists a épanchement of clear liquid in the ear). This rather often arrives in the child who makes readily rhinopharyngés infectious episodes or Allergie S. Beaucoup more rarely the tube can remain open. One calls this the gaping of the Eustachian tube who appears in the adult by the feeling to hear his breathing, the voice which is reflected.

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