Paranasal Sinuses: Anatomy, Structure And Functions

Paranasal Sinuses: Anatomy, Structure And Functions

Paranasal air sinuses

What are the paranasal air sinuses? Name them and enumerate their functions.
Answer.

The paranasal air sinuses are air-filled cavities in the paranasal bones, such as the frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, and maxilla.

They are named according to the bones in which they are present, i.e.:

• Frontal air sinuses are present in the frontal bone.
• Ethmoidal air sinuses are present in the ethmoid bones.
• Sphenoidal air sinuses are present in the body of the sphenoid bone.
• Maxillary air sinuses (largest air sinuses) are present in the body of maxillae.

Paranasal Air Sinuses Functions The functions of air sinuses are as follows:

• Make the skull lighter.
• Add resonance to the voice.
• Humidify the air during inspiration.
• Provide an adult shape to the facial skeleton.