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Related Concept Videos

Anatomy of the Ear01:16

Anatomy of the Ear

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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...
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The Auditory Ossicles01:11

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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...
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Hearing01:31

Hearing

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When we hear a sound, our nervous system is detecting sound waves—pressure waves of mechanical energy traveling through a medium. The frequency of the wave is perceived as pitch, while the amplitude is perceived as loudness.
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Auditory Pathway01:15

Auditory Pathway

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Auditory pathways constitute the complex neural circuits responsible for transmitting and interpreting auditory information from the peripheral auditory system to the brain. Sound waves are initially captured by the outer ear, funneled through the ear canal, and reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). These vibrations are transmitted via the middle ear's ossicles to the inner ear's cochlea.
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking...
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The Cochlea01:13

The Cochlea

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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.
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Ultrasonography01:17

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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...
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Imaging the External Ear: Practical Approach to Normal and Pathologic Conditions.

Niedja S G Tsuno1, Marco Y Tsuno1, Carlos A F Coelho Neto1

  • 1From the Divisions of Neuroradiology (N.S.G.T.) and Musculoskeletal Radiology (M.Y.T.), Laboratório Exame, Diagnósticos da América SA, SHLN, Lote 09, Bloco G, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil 70770560; Divisions of Head and Neck Imaging (C.A.F.C.N., S.A.S., M.R.T.G.) and Neuroradiology (F.T.P., A.P.A.F.), Laboratórios Alta Excelência Diagnóstica e Delboni Auriemo, Diagnósticos da América SA, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Head and Neck Radiology, Oakland University School of Medicine, Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, Mich (S.E.N.); and Division of Head and Neck Imaging, Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (M.D.).

Radiographics : a Review Publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc
|February 4, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Imaging is essential for diagnosing external ear (EE) abnormalities when visual access is blocked or treatment fails. Understanding EE anatomy and embryology aids radiologists in interpreting CT and MRI findings for various conditions.

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Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Anatomy

Background:

  • The external ear (EE), comprising the auricle and external auditory canal (EAC), is accessible but requires imaging for deep lesions or treatment resistance.
  • Congenital, traumatic, inflammatory, neoplastic, and vascular conditions can affect the EE, necessitating accurate diagnostic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of the anatomy and embryologic development of the external ear.
  • To discuss and illustrate common and uncommon conditions affecting the EE structures.
  • To highlight CT and MRI features crucial for radiologists in diagnosing EE abnormalities.

Main Methods:

  • Review of external ear anatomy, embryology, and associated pathologies.
  • Analysis of CT and MRI features for evaluating external ear lesions.
  • Development of a flowchart for differential diagnosis of external ear abnormalities.

Main Results:

  • CT is the primary modality for EAC evaluation and bone changes.
  • MRI offers superior tissue characterization and defines lesion extension, including perineural spread.
  • Illustrations and descriptions of various EE conditions and their imaging characteristics are presented.

Conclusions:

  • A foundational understanding of EE anatomy and embryology is vital for accurate diagnosis.
  • CT and MRI play complementary roles in evaluating external ear pathologies.
  • The provided flowchart assists radiologists in the differential diagnosis of external ear abnormalities.