The paranasal sinuses are the appendages of the nasal cavity, represented by bone indentations in the skull, covered from the inside by the mucous membrane. They connect to the oral cavity and are used to moisturize, clean and warm the inhaled air. The paranasal sinuses are also directly involved in the formation of sounds.
In this material, I would like to describe the anatomy of such appendages. Let’s find out what the paranasal sinuses are for. Their significance, variants, and anomalies will be considered below. We also highlight the diseases to which these appendages are susceptible.
The paranasal sinuses: anatomy
The following sinuses are adjacent to the sides of the nasal cavity:
- maxillary;
- frontal;
- wedge-shaped;
- trellis maze.
Let's take a look at how the paranasal sinuses are arranged.
Maxillary sinus
The maxillary sinus is located in the thickness of the bone of the upper jaw. This is the most massive paranasal sinus. In a matured mature person, its average volume is from 10 to 12 cm 3 .
In its form, the maxillary sinus resembles a tetrahedral pyramid. Its apex is located near the zygomatic process. The lower wall forms the so-called alveolar process, which separates the upper jaw from the oral cavity.
Frontal sinus
We continue to find out how the nose and paranasal sinuses are formed. Next, consider the anatomy of the frontal sinus. The latter is located between the lamellar bone bodies of the frontal zone. It is divided into equal halves by a special partition.
The size of the frontal sinus varies significantly among individuals. Its average volume can be from 3 to 5 cm 3 . The development of the presented epididymis begins from the first years of life and ends by the age of 25.
Sphenoid sinus
The sphenoid sinus, which is also called the main, is located in the thickness of the sphenoid bone of the upper jaw, immediately above the nasopharyngeal arch. It is divided by a bone septum into two unequal parts, each of which has an exit to the upper nasal passage.
The sphenoid sinus borders on the cranial fossa, carotid artery, and nerves, which are responsible for eye movement. Therefore, the development of pathological processes in the presented area carries a serious danger not only to health, but also to human life.
The sphenoid sinus begins to develop immediately after birth. Its formation ends around the age of 20.
Trellis maze
Describing the paranasal sinuses (the photos presented in the article clearly demonstrate their location), it is worth considering the anatomy of the so-called trellised labyrinth. This sinus is formed by a network of airbags of various shapes and sizes. They are located in the area between the nasal cavity and the orbits. In the upper part, the ethmoidal labyrinth borders the orbital mesh and the anterior cranial fossa.
In children, the presented paranasal sinus develops most actively. The final formation of the network of air cells ends around the age of 14-16.
Next, we find out what pathologies and diseases of the paranasal sinuses exist.
Rhinitis
The most common ailment that affects the paranasal sinuses. The disease is acute infectious in nature, has a viral origin. It is characterized by the appearance of copious mucous discharge from the nasal cavity, difficulty breathing.
With rhinitis, drug therapy is used. In the most complex, advanced cases, doctors resort to surgical intervention. The need for such treatment arises in the presence of deformation of the nasal septum, as well as pneumatization of the middle and hypertrophy of the upper bony shells.
Sinusitis
Under this definition, inflammation of the tissues in which the paranasal sinuses hurt is known. The causative agent of the disease are allergies and infections. The main symptoms: a steady increase in body temperature, constant nasal congestion, headaches, loss of smell, a feeling of pressure on the orbits. In the most severe cases, acute toothache occurs, as well as swelling of the face.
In the treatment of sinusitis, the administration of immunomodulating drugs, dilating the vessels of the drops, antibiotics, and drainage of the paranasal sinuses is indicated. Without timely therapy, sinusitis can go into more acute forms, known as frontal sinusitis, sinusitis, ethmoiditis. These complications lead to inflammation of the bone walls and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
With severe sinusitis, an abundance of purulent masses is distinguished from the affected sinuses. Without quality treatment, the infection can spread to tissues adjacent to the sinuses, in particular, to reach the brain, which threatens the most serious consequences.
Polyposis of the paranasal sinuses
Polyps are neoplasms of tissues that gradually grow on the mucous membranes of the nose. They arise against the backdrop of a variety of ailments. Most often, chronic inflammation of the tissues leads to their formation.
Among the main symptoms of polyposis, it is worth noting:
- obstruction of free breathing;
- periodic attacks of complete nasal congestion;
- tissue inflammation;
- changing the tone of the voice to a more nasal;
- impaired sense of smell, and then hearing.
The growth of polyps is stopped by surgical intervention. If pathology is detected in the early stages of formation, it is possible to use conservative methods of therapy, in particular, the use of antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin complexes.
Nasal septum deformity
At the root of the pathology lies the deviation of the nasal septum from its midline in both or one side. The disease may be acquired or hereditary. With deformation of the nasal septum, a person may feel breathing problems, regularly suffer from sinusitis and rhinitis.
Treatment is carried out by surgery. To restore health, an operation is performed to correct the nasal septum - the so-called septoplasty. The main goal of the procedure is to improve nasal breathing.
Finally
As you can see, the paranasal sinuses actually form a single network of air-conducting cavities. It is not surprising that all pathologies covering the presented area are similar in etymology. It is extremely difficult to independently determine which disease struck the paranasal sinuses. Methods that give results in some pathologies can be completely ineffective in others. In the presence of symptoms of the above ailments, it is better to immediately consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis, which will avoid complications.