Middle ear mucosa in cleft palate children. A scanning electron microscopic study.

Twenty-three promontory mucosal specimens from cleft palate children were studied by scanning electron microscope. Comparative studies were made, using light and transmission electron microscopy. The mucosal lining was pseudostratified columnar with microvilli, a few ciliated cells with secretory granules and numerous goblet cells. A few mucous glands, could be seen in certain areas. Microvilli with bulging tips and cilia with microknobs were common phenomena. The submucosa were inflamed, with leukocytes, macrophages, plasma cells and lymphocytes, indicating the presence of both cellular and humeral defence mechanisms.