Sinus tubercle

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Sinus tubercle

The sinus tubercle is a small anatomical structure located within the nasal cavity. It is a bony prominence found on the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, specifically on the middle nasal concha. The sinus tubercle plays a role in the drainage and ventilation of the paranasal sinuses, particularly the maxillary sinus and the frontal sinus.

Anatomy

The sinus tubercle is situated on the ethmoid bone, which is one of the bones that make up the cranial base. The ethmoid bone is a complex structure that also includes the cribriform plate, the perpendicular plate, and the ethmoidal labyrinth. The sinus tubercle is part of the ethmoidal labyrinth, which contains the ethmoidal air cells.

Function

The primary function of the sinus tubercle is to facilitate the drainage of mucus from the paranasal sinuses into the nasal cavity. This is essential for maintaining the health of the sinuses and preventing infections such as sinusitis. The sinus tubercle also helps in the ventilation of the sinuses, which is important for the regulation of air pressure within the sinuses.

Clinical Significance

The sinus tubercle can be involved in various medical conditions. For instance, inflammation or infection of the sinus tubercle can lead to sinusitis, which is characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, and headache. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to address issues related to the sinus tubercle, such as in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Related Structures

• Middle nasal concha
• Ethmoid bone
• Paranasal sinuses
• Maxillary sinus
• Frontal sinus
• Ethmoidal air cells

See Also

• Nasal cavity
• Sinusitis
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery