Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
04:06
Identification of Pre-weanling 7-Day-Old Mice with Pinna Edge Biopsies
Published on: May 23, 2025
Sonography of the ear pinna
Ximena Wortsman1, Gregor B E Jemec
1Department of Radiology, Clinica Servet, Almirante Pastene 150, Providencia, Santiago, Chile. xwo@tie.cl
Summary
Sonography effectively visualizes external ear structures, aiding in differentiating conditions like inflammation, vascular lesions, and tumors. This imaging technique offers a valuable diagnostic tool for external ear diseases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Diseases of the external ear require accurate diagnostic methods.
- Sonography's role in external ear pathology has not been fully established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of sonography for external ear diseases.
- To describe the sonographic anatomy of the normal ear pinna.
Main Methods:
- Systematic sonographic scanning of 11 healthy volunteers' external ears.
- Development of sonographic anatomy descriptions for cartilage and lobule.
- Review of clinical cases with external ear pathologies.
Main Results:
- Reproducible sonographic images were obtained from normal and pathological external ears.
- Detailed sonographic images of external ear anatomy were collected.
- Images demonstrating various pathologies were acquired for reference.
Conclusions:
- Sonography provides excellent visualization of external ear internal structures, including cartilage.
- Sonography can differentiate between inflammatory conditions, vascular lesions, and tumors of the external ear.
- Sonography is a viable imaging modality for studying external ear diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Anatomy of the Ear
Auditory sensation, commonly called hearing, involves the transformation of sonic waves into neural impulses facilitated by the structures of the auditory organ. The prominent, flesh-like structure on the side of the head, called the auricle, directs sound waves towards the auditory canal. The auricle is often mislabeled as the pinna, a term more aligned with mobile structures like a feline's external ear. The auditory canal penetrates the cranium via the external auditory meatus of the...
01:11The Auditory Ossicles
The auditory ossicles of the middle ear transmit sounds from the air as vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea. The auditory ossicles consist of two malleus (hammer) bones, two incus (anvil) bones, and two stapes (stirrups), one on each side. These bones develop during the fetal stage and are the ones to ossify first. They are fully mature at birth and do not grow afterward.
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
01:17Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the body's internal structures. It is a non-invasive and safe procedure that does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, making it widely used in various medical fields. Ultrasonography is used to study heart function, blood flow in the neck or extremities, certain conditions such as gallbladder disease, and fetal growth and development.
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
01:13The Cochlea
The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and FibroScan are valuable diagnostic tools in gastroenterology and hepatology, each with specific applications and techniques.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):