Eustachian Tube: Its Functions and Dysfunctions in Relation to the Pathogenesis of Middle Ear

3. Mucociliary clearance: a. Active clearance by muscle contractions.b.Influence of interfacial tension on drainage. Pressure RegulationThe ET opens periodically, primarily during swallowing due to the action of the tensor veli palatini muscle, helping to equalize middle IntroductIonExtensive research has established that structural and functional abnormalities of the eustachian tube (ET) play a key role in the development of otitis media (OM).The ET, such as the larynx, is part of the connecting system.Bellucci 1 included ET function and mastoid pneumatization as important predictors of tympanoplasty outcomes.Arora et al. 2 found a strong correlation between mastoid pneumatization and ET functional status, whereas Sethi et al. 3 suggested no such correlation. developmentAl dIfferences b e t w e e n InfAnt A n d Adult eustAchIAn tube AnAtomy (tAble 1)