Tracking Lymphatic Drainage Pathways Through Inner Ear Channels: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Immunology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Lymphatic drainage in the inner ear is poorly understood.
• Identifying these pathways is crucial for understanding inner ear fluid dynamics and immune cell transport.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and delineate proposed lymphatic routes within the human inner ear.
• To synthesize current evidence on the structure, function, and clinical relevance of inner ear lymphatic pathways.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines (PubMed, Scopus, Crossref, Google).
• PICO search strategy with terms "inner ear" and "lymph."
• Automated screening (CADIMA) and selection of 23 relevant articles from 33 reviewed.

Main Results:

• Potential lymphatic routes identified: round window, oval window, scala tympani, spiral limbus, lateral cochlear wall.
• Vestibular side of Reissner's membrane highlighted as a key lymphocyte nodal point.
• Proposed lymphatic networks and anatomical locations within the inner ear are mapped.

Conclusions:

• Evidence suggests specific lymphatic pathways exist within the inner ear.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate these pathways and their functional implications.
• Understanding inner ear lymphatics may impact treatments for hearing and balance disorders.