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Cerumen, or earwax, is a secretion formed by a gland in the ear canal of humans and most other mammals. Ear wax is important to protect the inner ear from bacteria, fungi and insects, and also aids in lubrication and cleaning.
= Earwax =
Cerumen, more commonly know as earwax, is produced by glands in the ear canal. It protects deeper areas of the ear by catching dust and other particles. Typically, cerumen naturally works its way to the ear's opening and either falls out or is cleaned away easily. However, sometimes cerumen can accumulate in the ear and cause blockage. Symptoms of blockage include earache, ear noise (scientifically called tinnitus), hearing impairment and pressure in the ear. There are several strategies for removing cerumen. While some can be performed at home, others may require a visit to a physician's office.
Physicians have two main strategies for removing cerumen: irrigation and curettage. Irrigation is the more-often-used method. Unlike in home-based irrigation, physicians can prescribe strong, specially designed medications to use in conjunction with the syringe, such as Murine Ear Drops and Debrox. Both of these medications have carbamide peroxide as their main active ingredient.
Curettage is another strategy, which involves the use of a long, curved tool called a curette. While applying suction, physicians use the curette to scrape out cerumen. However, this process requires a large amount of technical skill and can potentially cause eardrum and other inner ear damage.
- By Gurjot Singh Sodhi
ear wax
This is part of the word used today "sincere". Sin = no, cerumen=wax.
In ancient Roman civilization, pottery makers formed and fired clay pots that sometimes cracked under heat. If these potters were "insincere", they would put colored wax into the crack to cover it. Unsuspecting and trusting buyers took home these cooking pots, and soon discovered that when heat is applied, these pots failed. It is also where "crackpot" comes from! When the fiery trials come, it becomes evident what we are!
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoNumerous glands line the canal and secrete cerumen or earwax to lubricate and protect the ear.
canal must be straightened during an examination with an otoscope, an ear instillation or irrigation, or aural temperature measurement
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoThe gland itself is made of sudoriferous gland tissue made of a two-layered cuboidal epithelium. It produces a wax like substance (cerumen) that can keep the eardrum pliable, lubricates and cleans the external auditory canal, waterproofs the canal, kills bacteria, and serves as a barrier to trap foreign particles.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoThe ceruminous gland produces ear wax (cerumen) that functions in cleaning and lubricating the ear canal, as well as protection from bacteria and fungus and insects.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoThe main function of cerumen in the body is to keep the ear canals moist so that they function properly. Cerumen is more commonly referred to as earwax.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoWax
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What is produced in the oil glands in the auditory canal?
Cerumen Oil
Which gland secretes cerumen?
Cerumen (earwax) is a mixture of viscous secretions from sebaceous glands and less-viscous ones from modified apocrine sweat glands. See link below for more information.
Why do you have wax in your ears?
Cleaning of the ear canal occurs as a result of the "conveyor belt" process of epithelial migration, aided by jaw movement. Cells formed in the centre of the tympanic membrane migrate outwards from the umbo (at a rate equivalent to that of fingernail growth) to the walls of the ear canal, and accelerate towards the entrance of the ear canal. The cerumen in the canal is also carried outwards, taking with it any dirt, dust, and particulate matter that may have gathered in the canal. Jaw movement assists this process by dislodging debris attached to the walls of the ear canal, increasing the likelihood of its expulsion. Lubrication prevents desiccation, itching, and burning of the skin within the ear canal (known as asteatosis). The lubricative properties arise from the high lipid content of the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. In wet-type cerumen at least, these lipids include cholesterol, squalene, and many long-chain fatty acids and alcohols. While studies conducted up until the 1960s found little evidence supporting an antibacterial role for cerumen, more recent studies have found that cerumen has a bactericidal effect on some strains of bacteria. Cerumen has been found to be effective in reducing the viability of a wide range of bacteria (sometimes by up to 99%), including Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and many variants of Escherichia coli. The growth of two fungi commonly present in otomycosis was also significantly inhibited by human cerumen. These antimicrobial properties are due principally to the presence of saturated fatty acids, lysozyme and, especially, to the relatively low pH of cerumen (typically around 6.1 in normal individuals). [1] 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_wax
What is the function of the fine hairs and tiny wax-producing glands of the external auditory canal?
The fine hairs in the external auditory canal help to trap and prevent debris, such as dust and particles, from entering the ear. This helps to keep the ear clean and prevent blockages. The tiny wax-producing glands in the external auditory canal secrete earwax (cerumen) which helps to lubricate and protect the ear canal from infection and irritation.
What is in ear wax?
Ear Wax, or cerumen, is secreted in the ear to keep out small foreign objects such as dust and dirt (not unlike the snot in your nose). Most professionals will tell you that it is passes on its own and Qtips actually impact, or force it back where it blocks your ear canal.
Another name for ear wax?
Another name for ear wax is cerumen. This is has the function of cleaning the inner parts of the ear, lubricating and also offering a layer of protection among other functions.
What is the medical term meaning impacted earwax?
cerumenThe medical term for it is cerumen.
What is pH of Cerumen?
The Ph of Cerumen refers to the acid proportion contained in its composition, which is about 6.1
What is the Scientific name of Ear wax?
The scientific name for ear wax is cerumen.
What is the primary function of the ceruminous gland?
The ceruminous gland produces cerumen (earwax) that protects the skin in the ear from dust, bacteria, and very small insects.
What forms in your outer ear to protect your middle and inner ear from dirt and infection?
cerumen
What is the real name for earwax?
Cerumen
What Ear wax?
cerumen glands
What is a word for phonics seroomen?
cerumen
What makes wax?
cerumen glands
What is cerumen impaction?
Cerumen impaction is a condition in which earwax has become tightly packed in the external ear canal to the point that the canal is blocked.
What is the medical terminology combining form meaning cerumen?
The medical terminology combining form for cerumen is "cerumin/o". It specifically refers to the waxy substance found in the ear canal.
