Ethmoidal infundibulum

Ethmoidal Infundibulum

The Ethmoidal Infundibulum is a significant anatomical structure located within the nasal cavity. It is a part of the paranasal sinuses and plays a crucial role in the drainage of the frontal sinus and anterior ethmoidal sinus.

Etymology

The term "Ethmoidal Infundibulum" is derived from the Latin word "infundibulum", which means funnel. This is in reference to the funnel-like shape of the structure.

Anatomy

The Ethmoidal Infundibulum is a space or passage located in the lateral nasal wall. It is bounded medially by the uncinate process of the ethmoid bone, laterally by the lamina papyracea, and superiorly by the bullar lamella. The infundibulum communicates with the middle meatus of the nasal cavity and serves as a drainage pathway for the frontal and anterior ethmoidal sinuses.

Clinical Significance

The Ethmoidal Infundibulum is of clinical importance as it is often involved in sinusitis, a common condition characterized by inflammation of the sinuses. Blockage of the infundibulum can lead to impaired drainage of the sinuses, resulting in sinusitis. Furthermore, due to its close proximity to the orbit, infections can potentially spread to the eye, leading to serious complications such as orbital cellulitis.

Related Terms

• Uncinate process
• Lamina papyracea
• Bullar lamella
• Middle meatus
• Sinusitis
• Orbital cellulitis

See Also

• Paranasal sinuses
• Frontal sinus
• Anterior ethmoidal sinus

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