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Structure and origin of middle ear corpuscles
1Department of Histopathology, University College London Medical School, UK.
Abstract:
The incidence, origin, structure and composition of middle ear corpuscles (MEC) were studied by dissection microscopy, by special stains and immunocytochemistry of histological sections and by transmission electron microscopy. MEC are formed within fibrous bands derived from transparent fibrous sheets which appear mainly in the mastoid antrum in the middle-aged and elderly. MEC are covered by a layer of epithelial cells with a normal basal lamina, and are largely composed of concentric layers of collagen which display alternating positive and negative birefringence. Pulmonary and prostatic corpora amylacea show a similar light microscopical structure and age relationship, but contain amyloid. It is suggested that MEC and the other bodies may be organized foci of epithelial basement membrane expansion perhaps derived from an in vivo counterpart of the "domes' seen in vitro in some monolayer epithelial cultures.
Insights
Middle ear corpuscles (MEC) are found in fibrous bands in the mastoid antrum of older individuals. These structures, composed of collagen, may represent epithelial basement membrane expansion.
Area of Science:
- Otopathology
- Histology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Middle ear corpuscles (MEC) are microscopic structures found in the middle ear.
- Their origin, composition, and incidence require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, origin, structure, and composition of middle ear corpuscles (MEC).
Main Methods:
- Dissection microscopy
- Special stains and immunocytochemistry of histological sections
- Transmission electron microscopy
Main Results:
- MEC form within fibrous bands in the mastoid antrum, primarily in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
- MEC are composed of concentric collagen layers with birefringence.
- Pulmonary and prostatic corpora amylacea share structural similarities but contain amyloid.
Conclusions:
- MEC may represent organized foci of epithelial basement membrane expansion.
- This expansion could be an in vivo correlate of in vitro epithelial cell 'domes'.