<<
>>

The ear canal requires a clearance mechanism to remove the accumulation of dead cells, trapped foreign debris, and wax.

Without a physiologic method of debris removal, large accumulations of material would remain in the ear canal.

A number of different substances that may be found in the ear canal must be removed or they will result in significant accumulations within the canal.

The ear canal is lined by stratified squamous epithelium in a constant state of growth, so desquamated surface epithelial cells must be removed. Sebaceous and apocrine glands produce ceruminous secretions, and in certain conditions, cerumen accumu­lation may be quite voluminous. The wax must be removed. Debris from within the ear canal such as exudates from otitis externa also must be removed, as should substances that gain access to the ear canal from outside the ear, such as plant mate­rial and accumulation of ear medications. How does the normal ear canal remove all of this accumulated debris?

<< | >>
Source: Gotthelf Louis N.. Small Animal Ear Diseases: An Illustrated Guide. 2nd ed. — Saunders,2004. — 384 p.. 2004
More medical literature on Medic.Studio

More on the topic The ear canal requires a clearance mechanism to remove the accumulation of dead cells, trapped foreign debris, and wax.: