Hofman R, Segenhout JM, Buytaert JAN, Dirckx JJJ, Wit HP. Morphology and function of Bast's valve: additional insight in its functioning using 3D-reconstruction.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2007;
265:153-7. [PMID:
17724606 PMCID:
PMC2217619 DOI:
10.1007/s00405-007-0424-8]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2007] [Accepted: 08/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The utriculo-endolymphatic valve was discovered by Bast in 1928. The function of Bast’s valve is still unclear. By means of orthogonal-plane fluorescence optical sectioning (OPFOS) microscopy 3D-reconstructions of the valve and its surrounding region are depicted. The shape of the duct at the utricular side is that of a flattened funnel. In the direction of the endolymphatic duct and sac this funnel runs into a very narrow duct. The valve itself has a rigid ‘arch-like’ configuration. The opposing thin, one cell-layer thick, utricular membrane is highly compliant. We propose that opening and closure of the valve occurs through movement of the flexible base/utricular membrane away from and toward the relatively rigid valve lip.
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