Maxillary sinus

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Maxillary antrum)

[[File:[[|thumb|right

Gray1199 en

[[File:[[|thumb|[[]]

Maxillary sinus - medial view
Pneumatized max sinus
CT Brain showing air-fluid levels of bilateral maxillary air sinuses post brain trauma.jpg
Maxillary sinus
Gray994.png
Lateral wall of nasal cavity, showing ethmoid bone in position. (Maxillary sinus labeled at bottom left.)
Details
Part ofParanasal sinuses
SystemRespiratory system
LymphSubmandibular lymph nodes
Identifiers
Latinsinus maxillaris
TA98Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 746: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
TH{{#property:P1694}}
TE{{#property:P1693}}
FMA{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology
[[[d:Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 865: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).|edit on Wikidata]]]

The maxillary sinus (or antrum of Highmore) is one of the four paranasal sinuses, which are air-filled spaces located within the bones of the skull and face. The maxillary sinuses are the largest of the paranasal sinuses and are located within the maxilla (upper jaw) on either side of the nasal cavity.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The maxillary sinus is pyramidal in shape and has three walls: the anterior wall (facial surface), the posterior wall (infratemporal surface), and the medial wall (nasal surface). The roof of the sinus is formed by the floor of the orbit, and the floor of the sinus is formed by the alveolar process of the maxilla, which contains the roots of the upper teeth.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the maxillary sinus, like other paranasal sinuses, is to produce mucus that moisturizes the inside of the nose. This mucus layer protects the nose from pollutants, micro-organisms, dust, and dirt. The sinuses also help to lighten the weight of the skull and improve the resonance of the voice.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Sinusitis[edit | edit source]

Maxillary sinusitis is an inflammation of the maxillary sinus, often caused by infection. Symptoms may include facial pain, nasal congestion, and discharge. Chronic maxillary sinusitis can result from unresolved acute sinusitis or other factors such as allergies or structural abnormalities.

Dental implications[edit | edit source]

Due to the close proximity of the maxillary sinus to the roots of the upper teeth, dental infections or procedures can sometimes lead to sinusitis. Conversely, sinus infections can sometimes cause referred pain to the upper teeth.

Surgical considerations[edit | edit source]

Surgical procedures involving the maxillary sinus include functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and Caldwell-Luc operation. These procedures are typically performed to treat chronic sinusitis or to remove sinus tumors.

Development[edit | edit source]

The maxillary sinuses are present at birth but are very small. They continue to grow and develop throughout childhood and reach their full size after the permanent teeth have erupted.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


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