0
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
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agowe have ear wax to protect the inside of our ears from being damaged
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Is wax a polar?
it is the wax from polar bear ears's
What happens if you have no wax in your ears?
it makes it hard to hear
Why do ears not work?
Well, Sometimes when your ears don't work it's because of Wax blocking your ear drum. Or because you have a virus. That also stops you from hearing sometimes...
Will your ears produce more ear wax to compensate for the ear wax that has been removed?
Not necessarily. Ear wax is produced naturally as a protective coating for the ear canal, and irritation of the canal can cause increased production. When excessive ear wax has been removed, if there is no irritation the production of ear wax should return to normal.
How does wax in the ear effect us from hearing?
Ear wax is there to line the skin that is present in the ear leading up to the ear drum. The wax keeps the skin supple and prevents the skin drying and cracking. Obviously, if the wax builds up too much, it could effect the hearing. If so, the ears can be medically syringed and excess wax removed, restoring hearing.
Is wax a polar?
it is the wax from polar bear ears's
How often should you clean your ears?
ears have wax and wax is good so clean them EVERY week
Can bees get wax in there ears?
no
Is it better to have dirty or clean ears?
Clean ears. The wax you see is build up from the wax inside your ear cleaning out the dirt.
Your ears have a lot of wax in them and you need to pop them?
by pop them i sujest you go see your local pharmisist or GP to get your ears cleaned and to get all the wax out
What is the name of the liquid in your ears?
melted wax :)
Why do you form ear wax?
To protect your ears.
What happens if you have no wax in your ears?
it makes it hard to hear
Do bees get wax in their ears?
i say no but im not sure
How does your body protect your ears?
ear wax and... something else.
What does Odysseus do to protect his men from the Sirens?
They plugged their ears with wax
Can ear wax cause ear infections?
Ear wax is secreted by the ceruminous glands of the ears. It functions to protect the ears from outside contaminants. Diseases do not spread well through ear wax, but it may be possible to catch diseases transmitted through body fluids via ear wax.
