FACT AND THEORY OF THE DIMORPHISM OF CERU MEM

''Dimorphism'' means the existence of two phenotypic different types o f the human cerumen and morphology of the ceruminous glands. In this p aper, the morphological, biochemical, and functional differences are r eviewed. The wet cerumen is better adapted to a hot and humid climate where infections of the outer ear are very frequent and sometimes seve re. In a cold acid dry climate, the dry cerumen is advantageous. In th e moderate climates, both types are equivalent (balanced dimorphism).