MASTOID CELLS Meaning and
Definition
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Mastoid cells are numerous air-filled cavities located within the mastoid process, a bony structure behind the ear. These cells are lined with respiratory epithelium and are interconnected to each other and to the middle ear via small openings called aditus and antrum. The mastoid process, which comprises the mastoid cells, is part of the temporal bone of the skull.
The primary function of mastoid cells is thought to be the regulation of air pressure in the middle ear. These interconnected cavities act as an extension of the middle ear space, allowing for equalization of air pressure and drainage of fluids. Mastoid cells also play a crucial role in the protection of delicate structures of the middle ear, such as the ossicles (small bones involved in hearing), by acting as shock absorbers.
In certain pathological conditions, such as acute or chronic infection of the middle ear, the mastoid cells may become inflamed and infected, leading to a condition known as mastoiditis. This condition can cause severe pain, swelling, and tenderness behind the ear, along with other symptoms like fever and discharge from the ear. Timely intervention and appropriate treatment are necessary to prevent potential complications, such as the spread of infection to nearby structures or the development of an abscess. In some cases, surgery may be required to drain the infected mastoid cells and alleviate symptoms.
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A number of small spaces in the mastoid process, surrounding and communicating with the m. antrum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MASTOID CELLS
- nastoid cells
- kastoid cells
- jastoid cells
- mzstoid cells
- msstoid cells
- mwstoid cells
- mqstoid cells
- maatoid cells
- maztoid cells
- maxtoid cells
- madtoid cells
- maetoid cells
- mawtoid cells
- masroid cells
- masfoid cells
- masgoid cells
- masyoid cells
- mas6oid cells
- mas5oid cells
- mastiid cells
Etymology of MASTOID CELLS
The word "mastoid" originates from the Greek word "mastoeidḗs", which means "breast-shaped". This term was derived from the words "mastos", meaning "breast", and "oeidḗs", meaning "like" or "resembling".
The term "cells" refers to the small, air-filled cavities and spaces within the mastoid process, a bony structure located behind the ear in the skull. The word "cells" itself comes from the Latin word "cella", which means "small room" or "storeroom".
Therefore, the term "mastoid cells" is used to describe the small, breast-shaped air cells found within the mastoid process of the skull.
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