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Human Cochleae With Three Turns: An Unreported Malformation
Author(s) -
Tian Qing,
Linthicum Fred H.,
Fayad Jose N.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/01.mlg.0000209097.95444.59
Subject(s) - basilar membrane , anatomy , anomaly (physics) , temporal bone , medicine , cochlea , physics , condensed matter physics
Objective: The objective of this histologic study of archival temporal bone sections was to describe the morphology of human cochleae found with three turns, a previously unreported anomaly, found in three pairs of temporal bones. Methods: The authors conducted histopathologic processing and measurement of basilar membrane length. Basilar membrane length was compared with that found in six normal control bones. Results: Cochleae with three complete turns, rather than the usual two and a half turns, are described for the first time. All had longer than normal basilar membranes, with a mean length of 40.6 mm compared with a mean of 33.8 mm in the normal bones. Conclusions: Human cochleae with three turns exist as an unreported anomaly. This is a new category of anomaly, not likely based on interruption of development.