Maxillary sinus

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Maxillary sinus - medial view

Pneumatized max sinus

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CT Brain showing air-fluid levels of bilateral maxillary air sinuses post brain trauma.jpg

Air-filled space located within the cheekbones

Maxillary sinus
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Lateral wall of nasal cavity, showing ethmoid bone in position. (Maxillary sinus labeled at bottom left.)
General Information
Latin	sinus maxillaris
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

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

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

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

Sinusitis

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

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

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

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

• Paranasal sinuses
• Nasal cavity
• Sinusitis
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
• Caldwell-Luc operation

References

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