The morphogenesis of the tympanic part of the temporal bone

Abstract

The aim of this report is to describe the relative movement of the tympanic membrane and its supporting structures during embryonic and postnatal life, leading to its final position in a vertical plane. Previous studies were based on ultra thin sections which led to changes in orientation during development being missed. The importance of the present description is to provide a baseline with which abnormal ear development in certain congenital syndromes may be compared.