Clemson University, Biological Sciences, 132 Long Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2011 Jan 1;16(5):1675-92. doi: 10.2741/3813.
The middle ear is a composite organ formed from all three germ layers and the neural crest. It provides the link between the outside world and the inner ear, where sound is transduced and routed to the brain for processing. Extensive classical and modern studies have described the complex morphology and origin of the middle ear. Non-mammalian vertebrates have a single ossicle, the columella. Mammals have three functionally equivalent ossicles, designated the malleus, incus and stapes. In this review, I focus on the role of genes known to function in the middle ear. Genetic studies are beginning to unravel the induction and patterning of the multiple middle ear elements including the tympanum, skeletal elements, the air-filled cavity, and the insertion point into the inner ear oval window. Future studies that elucidate the integrated spatio-temporal signaling mechanisms required to pattern the middle ear organ system are needed. The longer-term translational benefits of understanding normal and abnormal ear development will have a direct impact on human health outcomes.
中耳是由三个胚层和神经嵴形成的复合器官。它提供了外界与内耳之间的联系，在那里声音被转换并传递到大脑进行处理。广泛的经典和现代研究已经描述了中耳的复杂形态和起源。非哺乳动物的脊椎动物只有一个听小骨，即耳蜗。哺乳动物有三个功能等效的听小骨，分别命名为锤骨、砧骨和镫骨。在这篇综述中，我重点介绍了已知在中耳中起作用的基因的作用。遗传研究开始揭示多个中耳元素的诱导和模式形成，包括鼓膜、骨骼元素、充满空气的腔室以及内耳卵圆窗的插入点。需要进一步研究阐明形成中耳器官系统所需的时空信号转导的整合机制。了解正常和异常耳朵发育的长期转化效益将直接影响人类的健康结果。
