Extended Data Figure 4: Otitis media and upper airway congestion in Muc5b−/− mice.

a, b, Micro-CT reveals dark and radiopaque middle-ear cavities (red arrows) in Muc5b+/+ and Muc5b−/− mice, respectively. c, Mass of accumulated mucus plugs removed from nasal cavities at the indicated time points. Plug mass was compared to age using Pearson’s product–moment correlation (ρ). d, Hair in the middle ear of a Muc5b−/− mouse. The ventral side of the tympanic bulla was removed to visualize middle-ear content. White arrowhead identifies encased hair fragments. Et, Eustachian tube; tm, tympanic membrane.