Dissecting Cadaveric Middle Ear: Approaches

Abstract

Introduction: The temporal bone is a valuable resource for the study of diseases of middle ear and teaching anatomy to both undergraduate as well as post graduates. It is one of the most complicated bones of skull and lodges in it the special sense organ for hearing and balancing and associated nerves.Objectives: Various books and dissection manuals described different approaches to middle ear along with intrapetrous course of facial nerve. We have discussed different approaches to middle ear, their benefits and drawbacks Data synthesis: Different approaches to middle ear cavity have been described by different dissection manuals and various authors. Every method or approaches have their own merits and demerits. Conclusion:Dissection on decalcified temporal bone and tegmen tympani approach seems to be the best tool for studying middle ear, course of facial nerve inside the temporal bone as well as preparing specimen.