Human tympanic membrane--malleus attachment. Preliminary study.

The relationship between the malleus handle and the tympanic membrane in humans has been studied with primary attention being directed to the fibrous layer of the tympanic membrane and its method of attachment to the malleus. This attachment is most intimate at the level of the umbo and becomes progressively more tenuous as the short process is approached. The long process of the malleus, comprised of a bony core, has a definite sleeve of cartilage surrounding its entire length. This cartilage is surrounded by a perichondrial layer which has previously been termed a periosteum. In the lower third, the fibrous lamina propria appears to split equally and the fibers then blend imperceptively with those of the perichondrial layer surrounding the manubrium. At high levels, the attachment is less intimate, most of the fibers appearing to pass lateral to the malleus handle. The embryologic development of the tympanic membrane-malleus junction has been considered and the anatomical features of this area have been considered in relation to functional requirements.