Otitis Media Probably Develops from an Infection That Spread

Question

Otitis media probably develops from an infection that spread
A)from the outer ear to the middle ear.
B)from the sensory neurons of the middle ear.
C)through the tympanic membrane.
D)upward through the eustachian tube.

Accepted Answer

Otitis media typically develops when bacteria or viruses from the nose and throat travel up the eustachian tube and infect the middle ear. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, and it helps to regulate pressure in the ear and drain any fluid that may accumulate there. When this tube becomes blocked, perhaps due to a cold or allergy, it can create an environment for infection. Therefore, the infection probably spreads upward through the eustachian tube.