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Mastoiditis is the result of an infection that extends to the air cells of the skull behind the ear. Specifically, it is an inflammation of the mucosal lining of the mastoid antrum and mastoid air cell system inside [1] the mastoid process. The mastoid process is the portion of the temporal bone of the skull that is behind the ear.
The cells receive arterial supply from the stylomastoid branch of the occipital artery or posterior auricular artery, and (sometimes) a mastoid branch of the occipital artery. [1]: 749 The superior petrosal sinus receives venous drainage from the mastoid air cells (mastoid infection may thus lead to a cerebellar abscess). [2]: 443
The mastoid process is located posterior and inferior to the ear canal, lateral to the styloid process, and appears as a conical or pyramidal projection. It forms a bony prominence behind and below the ear. [1] It has variable size and form (e.g. it is larger in the male than in the female). It is also filled with sinuses, or mastoid cells.
The formation of a mastoid cavity by removal of the canal wall is the simplest and most effective procedure for facilitating the removal of cholesteatoma, but may bestow the most lasting infirmity due to loss of ear function upon the patient treated in this way. The following strategies are employed to mitigate the effects of canal wall removal:
[1]: 414 The recess lodges the head of malleus, and the body of incus. [1]: 416 The mastoid antrum is situated posterior to the recess and opens into the recess at the posterior wall of the recess via the aditus to mastoid antrum. [1]: 416 The ampulla of the lateral semicircular canal creates a prominence upon the medial wall of the recess.
The tympanic nerve (Jacobson's nerve) is a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve passing through the petrous part of the temporal bone to reach the middle ear. It provides sensory innervation for the middle ear, the Eustachian tube, the parotid gland, and mastoid cells. It also carries parasympathetic fibers destined for the parotid gland.
Note: anyone with an active eardrum perforation, PE tubes in the ears, or Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) should avoid using drops or flushing the ear and consult a physician regarding concerns ...
Skull fractures that go through the part of the skull containing the ear structures (the temporal bone) can also cause damage to the middle ear. [42] A cholesteatoma is a cyst of squamous skin cells that may develop from birth or secondary to other causes such as chronic ear infections. It may impair hearing or cause dizziness or vertigo, and ...