Eustachian tubal function: changes throughout childhood and neuro-muscular control.

The anatomy of the cartilaginous Eustachian tube is the key to function and malfunctions. Serial sections of the tube at various ages show that there are very considerable anatomical changes throughout childhood during which period the tensor palati is the muscle of prime importance. It is suggested that both tensor palati and tensor tympani are functionally tubal muscles and might, perhaps, be termed "extrinsic muscles of the ear". Together they largely control tubal opening. Some clinical implications may be drawn from these anatomical observations.