Paranasal sinuses

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Paranasal Sinuses

The Paranasal Sinuses (/pærəˈneɪzəl ˈsaɪnəsɪz/; from Greek para, meaning "beside", and nasal, meaning "nose") are a group of four paired air-filled spaces that surround the nasal cavity. The maxillary sinuses are located under the eyes; the frontal sinuses are above the eyes; the ethmoidal sinuses are between the eyes and the sphenoidal sinuses are behind the eyes.

Etymology

The term "Paranasal" is derived from the Greek words para (beside) and nasal (nose), indicating their proximity to the nasal cavity. "Sinus" is a Latin term meaning "pocket" or "curve", which describes the shape and location of these structures.

Anatomy

The paranasal sinuses are divided into four pairs: the maxillary sinuses, the largest and most commonly known; the frontal sinuses, located in the forehead; the ethmoid sinuses, located between the eyes; and the sphenoid sinuses, located behind the eyes. Each sinus is connected to the nasal cavity by small channels or ducts which allow for the exchange of air and mucus.

Function

The primary function of the paranasal sinuses is to produce a mucus that moisturizes the inside of the nose. This mucus layer protects the nose from pollutants, micro-organisms, dust, and dirt. Sinuses also play a role in our voices by acting as resonating chambers.

Related Terms

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski