Memoirs: The Chorda Tympani and Middle Ear in Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals

Abstract

A comparison of the development of the various structures of the middle-ear region in the lizard, duck, and mammal, shows a remarkable uniformity in their origin and relation. The first gill-pouch separates off from the epidermis from below upwards; at its dorsal edge is an epiblastic proliferation contributing to the geniculate ganglion. The tympanum is formed between the outer epidermis and an outgrowing diverticulum of the hinder lower region of the first gill-pouch. The chorda tympani is a post-trematic branch of the facial nerve, developing behind the first or spiracular gill-slit, and passing down to the lower jaw between the tympanum and the closing spiracle. The relation of these parts to the skeleton and blood-vessels is (with the exception mentioned below) constant throughout the Amniota, and is only intelligible on the view of Reichert that the proximal region of the columella corresponds to the stapes, the quadrate to the incus, and the articular to the malleus.In the chick the chorda tympani develops as a pre-trematic branch of the facial nerve from its first appearance. In adult gallinaceous birds the chorda passes down directly from the geniculate ganglion in front of the tympanic cavity. This exceptional position is probably due to some secondary modification at present unexplained.