The Paranasal Sinuses - Structure - Function - TeachMeAnatomy

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The paranasal sinuses are air-filled extensions of the nasal cavity. There are four paired sinuses – named according to the bone in which they are located – maxillary, frontal, sphenoid and ethmoid. Each sinus is lined by a ciliated pseudostratified epithelium, interspersed with mucus-secreting goblet cells.

The function of the paranasal sinuses is a topic of much debate. Various roles have been suggested:

  • Lightening the weight of the head
  • Supporting immune defence of the nasal cavity
  • Humidifying inspired air
  • Increasing resonance of the voice

The paranasal sinuses are formed during development by the nasal cavity eroding into the surrounding bones. All the sinuses therefore drain back into the nasal cavity – openings to the paranasal sinuses can be found on the roof and lateral nasal walls.

In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses – their structure, anatomical relations and innervation.

Adobe Stock, Licensed to TeachMeSeries Ltd

Fig 1Location of the paranasal sinuses.

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