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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Dissection of the Auditory Bulla in Postnatal Mice: Isolation of the Middle Ear Bones and Histological Analysis

Dissection of the Auditory Bulla in Postnatal Mice: Isolation of the Middle Ear Bones and Histological Analysis

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Ossicula Bertini in human adults

J Krmpotić Nemanić¹, I Vinter, Z Kelović

¹Drago Perović Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.

Annals of Anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : Official Organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft

|March 7, 1998

Summary

Remnants of ossicula Bertini were found in young adults, potentially impacting sphenoid sinus inflammation and nasopharyngeal diseases. These ossicles connect to the ethmoid bone and sphenoid sinus walls.

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Area of Science:

Anatomical variations
Embryology
Otolaryngology

Background:

The ossicula Bertini are anatomical remnants.
Their presence in adults is rare and their clinical significance is not well-understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the occurrence and anatomical characteristics of ossicula Bertini remnants in adult individuals.
To assess the potential clinical implications of these findings for sphenoid sinus and nasopharyngeal pathologies.

Main Methods:

Post-mortem examination of 20 adult individuals aged 17-23 years.
Detailed anatomical description of identified ossicula Bertini remnants and their relationship to the ethmoid bone and sphenoid sinus.

Main Results:

Ossicula Bertini remnants were identified in 3 out of 20 individuals (15%).
These ossicles were found in their embryological position, attached to the ethmoid bone.
The ossicles partially or fully closed the inferior and/or anterior walls of the sphenoid sinus, connected by sutures.

Conclusions:

The presence of ossicula Bertini remnants in adults is a notable anatomical variation.
These formations may play a role in the pathogenesis of sphenoid sinus inflammation and other nasopharyngeal diseases.