Mucous glands in the middle ear - what is known and what is not.

A review of acquired and lacking knowledge on mucous glands in the human middle ear is presented. Investigations on whole-mount and section preparations from fetuses, prematures and infants, normal and slightly abnormal children and adults are reviewed in detail. It is concluded that mucous glands are not a normal, but a pathological component of the middle ear mucosa. Gland formation and degeneration are described. Theories on pathogenesis are discussed and new ideas for further research are indicated.