The function of migratory epidermis in the healing of tympanic membrane perforations in guinea-pig. A photographic study.

During observations on healing traumatic perforations in guinea-pig tympanic membranes, a specific appearance was seen on the surface of the epidermis as it closed the perforations. In this experiment, this pattern was identified on 15 tympanic membranes in 10 guinea pigs, and serial photography was used to record the healing process in 6 perforations over 5 days. This study shows that epidermis accumulates at the inferior margin of the perforation (the side from which it migrates) and then closes over the defect. Epidermal migration appears to be a key factor in this healing process.