Anatomy of the Normal and Cleft Palate Eustachian Tube

Abstract

This report presents preliminary findings from a study of cleft palate and noncleft palate human fetuses to determine whether differences in Eustachian tube and cranial base structures could be found which might explain the universal appearance of otitis media in infants with cleft palate. Differences were found which are consistent with the previous hypothesis of reduced elasticity in the Eustachian tube. Principal findings included medial to lateral compression of the tube and reduced tubal width.