Role of the tensor tympani muscle in eustachian tube function.

In order to determine the role of the tensor tympani muscle in Eustachian tube function, pressure changes in the external and middle ear of 13 cats were measured under four experimental conditions. It was revealed that contraction of the tensor tympani muscle during swallowing did not result in any tympanic pressure rise which might assist in tubal ventilation. Acoustic stimulation was then used to measure consistent contraction of the tensor tympani muscle. Combined contraction of the tensor veli palatini and tensor tympani muscle under the condition of positive tympanic pressure failed to open the tube. It was concluded that the tensor tympani muscle might not play any part in tubal function.