Relationship between surface area and volume of

the mastoid air cell system in adult humans

Swarts, J D; Doyle, B M Cullen; Doyle, W J . The Journal of Laryngology and Otology ; Devon
Vol.125,Iss.6, (Jun 2011): 580-4.

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ABSTRACT

Abstract
Introduction:
The geometry of the adult human mastoid air cell system has not previously been described over a large range of
mastoid air cell volumes.
Methods:
Twenty subjects with a wide range of mastoid air cell pneumatised areas, as determined by X-ray, underwent
computed tomography scanning of the middle ear. Mastoid air cell surface areas and volumes were then
reconstructed from serial imaging sections, using Image J software.
Results:
Mastoid air cell volumes varied from 0.7 to 21.4ml, and were linearly related to the pneumatised area. Right and
left mastoid air cell volumes and surface areas were highly correlated. The mastoid air cell surface area was a
linear function of volume.
Conclusion:
The relationship between mastoid air cell surface area and volume is similar over a wide range of volumes. Given
that the rate of gas exchange across the mastoid air cell mucosa is related to the mastoid air cell surface area,
that rate will thus also be a direct linear function of the mastoid air cell volume.

DETAILS

MeSH: Adult, Air, Child, Ear, Middle -- physiology, Ear, Middle -- radiography, Female, Humans,
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, Male, Mastoid -- physiology, Mastoid --
radiography, Mucous Membrane -- metabolism, Organ Size, Otitis Media -- pathology,
Surface Properties, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Young Adult, Ear, Middle --
anatomy &histology (major), Mastoid -- anatomy &histology (major), Models,
Biological (major)

Publication title: The Journal of Laryngology and Otology; Devon

Volume: 125

Issue: 6

Pages: 580-4

Number of pages: 5

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Publication year: 2011

Publication date: Jun 2011

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Place of publication: Devon

Country of publication: United Kingdom

Publication subject: Medical Sciences--Otorhinolaryngology

ISSN: 00222151

CODEN: JLOTAX

Source type: Scholarly Journals

Language of publication: English

Document type: Feature, Journal Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0022215110002811

Accession number: 21208489

ProQuest document ID: 868333382

Document URL: https://search.proquest.com/docview/868333382?accountid=31533

Copyright: Copyright JLO (1984) Limited 2011

Last updated: 2015-08-15

Database: Biological Science Database,Health &Medical Collection

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 Bibliography
Citation style: APA 6th - American Psychological Association, 6th Edition

Swarts, J. D., Doyle, B. M. C., & Doyle, W. J. (2011). Relationship between surface area and volume of the mastoid
air cell system in adult humans. The Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 125(6), 580-4.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0022215110002811

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