Masamichi Sawada

The fiber arrangement of the pathological human tympanic membrane

ZusammenfassungDas pathologisch veränderte menschliche Trommelfell (Perforation, Verdickung oder Vernarbung) zeigt in der mittleren Zone der Pars tensa eine deutliche Veränderung des Faserverlaufes. Zwischen den regelrecht angeordneten radiären und zirkulären Fasern sieht man zahlreiche ungeordnete Fasern, die zur Bildung von Bündeln neigen. Es wird also während des Heilungsprozesses einer entzündeten Lamina propria des menschlichen Trommelfelles die normale Faseranordnung gestört.SummaryRemarkable morphological changes of the fiber arrangement was observed in the middle lamina propria of the pathological human tympanic membranes. These changes were present mainly in the middle zone of the pars tensa. There were several fibers running in entirely different directions among the regularly arranged radial and circular fibers. These abnormal fibers had a tendency of forming fiber bundles of varying sizes and lengths. It is stressed that the normal fiber arrangement was undoubtedly disordered in the healing process of the inflamed middle lamina propria of the human tympanic membrane.

Differences in Drinking Behavior between Normal and Laryngectomized Man

The properties of drinking in normal and laryngectomized groups were examined. Drinking associated with meals was more frequent in the 76 young and 37 older normal subjects than the 25 laryngectomized persons. The laryngectomized group preferred tea and coffee to water to alleviate thirst sensation, while such a preference was hardly seen in either normal group. Results suggest that the larynx may contribute not only to thirst sensation but may be associated with preference in drinking.