The incudostapedial articulation: new concepts.

Hypothesis: To study the detailed anatomy of the incudostapedial joint (ISJ).

Background: Detailed study of the anatomy of the ISJ has been surprisingly neglected and continues to be controversial.

Methods: We studied the joint in 86 temporal bones from 51 subjects, aged 12 to 104 years, by light microscopy and three-dimensional images of computer-based reconstructions.

Anxiety disorders and older women.

Anxiety is a problem for millions of Americans. It poses special challenges for women as they grow into advanced age. This paper provides a general overview of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobia, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

The widely patent cochleovestibular communication of Edward Cock is a distinct inner ear malformation: implications for cochlear implantation.

Objectives: In 1838, Edward Cock described the anatomic findings in 4 inner ears with a widely patent communication between the cochlea and the vestibule that is now frequently referred to as the "common cavity deformity" and is often confused with Michel's "otocyst deformity." Little is known about the anatomic characteristics, including the presence of neural elements in this malformation.

Methods: Light microscopy and 2-dimensional and computerized 3-dimensional reconstructions were used to determine the histopathology and spiral ganglion cell counts in 7 temporal bones with a widely patent cochleovestibular communication.