Semilunar hiatus

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Hiatus semilunaris)

Semilunar Hiatus is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific feature of the nasal cavity. The term "semilunar" is derived from the Latin words "semi," meaning half, and "luna," meaning moon, referring to the half-moon shape of this anatomical structure. The term "hiatus" is derived from the Latin word "hiare," meaning to gape or to yawn, and in this context, it refers to an opening or gap.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The Semilunar Hiatus is located in the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, specifically in the ethmoid bone. It is a crescent-shaped opening that leads to the frontal sinus, maxillary sinus, and the anterior ethmoidal cells. The frontal sinus drains into the anterior part of the hiatus, while the maxillary sinus and the anterior ethmoidal cells drain into the middle and posterior parts, respectively.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Due to its role in sinus drainage, the Semilunar Hiatus is clinically significant in conditions such as sinusitis, a common condition characterized by inflammation of the sinuses. Blockage of the Semilunar Hiatus can lead to poor drainage and subsequent infection of the sinuses. This can result in symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, and a reduced sense of smell.

Related Terms[edit | edit source]

  • Ethmoid bone: A bone in the skull that separates the nasal cavity from the brain.
  • Frontal sinus: One of the four pairs of paranasal sinuses that drain into the nasal cavity.
  • Maxillary sinus: The largest of the paranasal sinuses, located in the cheek area.
  • Anterior ethmoidal cells: Air cells within the ethmoid bone that drain into the nasal cavity.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Semilunar hiatus Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD