The primary physiological purpose of the membrana tympani / by S.O. Richey.

  • Richey, Stephen Olin.
Date:
1888
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The primary physiological purpose of the membrana tympani / by S.O. Richey. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

    10/24 page 10
    case in which the drum-membrane has been restored under my observation, have I learned of a recurrence of the suppuration. This closure of the drum-membrane pre- supposes the destruction of the pyogenic membrane and of all germinal matter, but it also suggests some other pur- pose of the drum-membrane than its participation in the transmission of sound waves to the internal ear. Conchisions. First. The primary purpose of the t3'mpanic membrane is that of protection to the tympanic cavity from the influ- ence of the air ; to prevent parching and stiffening of the membrana secondaria, the joints of the ossicula, the ten- dons of the tympanic muscles, and to prevent loss of labyrinthine fluid by evaporation. Second. It, being necessary for protection of the cavity, is modified into part of a transmitting mechanism by the existence of the ossicula and their attachments : a second- ary physiological purpose. Third. A permanent opening of the membrane may, under given circumstances, temporarily improve the func- tion of hearing, but is harmful to the ultimate condition of the oro-an. Fourth. The tendency of the membrane to heal is an effort on the part of nature to preserve the function of hearing from the effects of disease or ill-advised surgical interference. DISCUSSION. Dr. C. H. Burnett :—I would like to ask Dr. Richey to read the second conclusion again. Dr. Richey :—It, being necessary for protection of the cavity, is modified into part of a transmitting mechanism by the existence of the ossicula and their attachments : a secondary physiological purpose.
    digitised image 1
    digitised image 2
    digitised image 3