Tympanic membrane homografts. Histological findings in a human case

The structure of a human tympanic membrane has been studied with the electron microscope 12 months after implantation. The lamina propria of the epidermis and the connective submucosal layer were thicker in the homograft than in the normal tympanic membrane. Creeping substitution in the fibers of the outer radial and inner circular layers was not observed but cannot be excluded. The protective role of the skin of the external meatus and of the epithelial cells of the mucosal layer has been noted.