Paranasal sinuses: anatomy, possible pathologies and diseases

The paranasal sinuses are appendages of the nasal cavity, represented by bone incisions in the skull, covered from the inside by the mucous membrane. They connect with the mouth and serve to moisturize, clean and warm the inhaled air. The paranasal sinuses also take a direct part in the formation of sounds.

In this material I would like to describe the anatomy of such appendages. Let us find out why the paranasal sinuses serve. Their meaning, variants and anomalies will be discussed further. Also highlight the diseases to which these appendages are susceptible.

The paranasal sinuses: anatomy

On the sides to the nasal cavity the following sinuses are adjacent:

• Maxillary;
• Frontal;
• Wedge shaped;
• Latticed labyrinth.

Let's look at how the paranasal sinuses are arranged in turn.

Maxillary sinus

The maxillary sinus is located in the thickest bone of the upper jaw. This is the most massive paranasal sinus. A mature adult has an average volume of 10-12 cm ³ .

With its shape, 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.

The frontal sinus

Let's 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 largely fluctuates in individual individuals. Its average volume can be from 3 to 5 cm ³ . The development of the presented appendage of the nasal cavity begins with the first years of life and ends at the age of 25.

The sphenoid sinus

The sphenoid sinus, which is also called the main sinus, is located in the thickness of the wedge bone of the upper jaw, immediately above the nasopharynx. It is divided by a bone septum into two unequal parts, each of which has an outlet into the upper nasal passage.

The sphenoid sinus borders on cranial fossa, carotid artery, nerves, which are responsible for eye movement. Therefore, the development of pathological processes in the presented area carries a serious danger not only for health, but also for human life.

The wedge-shaped sinus develops immediately after birth. Its formation ends at about 20 years.

Lattice labyrinth

Describing the paranasal sinuses (photos presented in the article, clearly demonstrate their location), it is worth considering the anatomy of the so-called trellis labyrinth. This sinus is formed by a network of air chambers of different shapes and sizes. They are located in the area between the nasal cavity and the eye sockets. In the upper part of the trellis labyrinth borders on the ophthalmic mesh and anterior cranial fossa.

In babies, the paranasal sinus present is most active. The final formation of the network of air-bearing cells ends about 14-16 years.

Further we will find out what pathologies and diseases of the paranasal sinuses exist.

Rhinitis

The most common ailment that affects the paranasal sinuses. The disease is of an acute infectious nature, has a viral origin. It is characterized by the appearance of abundant mucous discharge from the nasal cavity, difficulty breathing.

In rhinitis, drug therapy is used. In the most complex, neglected 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 bone shells.

Sinusitis

Under this definition, inflammation of the tissues is known, in which the paranasal sinuses hurt. 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 orbit. In the most severe cases, there is acute toothache, as well as swelling of the face.

In the treatment of sinusitis is shown the use of immunomodulating drugs, dilating the vessels of drops, antibiotics, drainage of the paranasal sinuses. Without timely therapy, sinusitis can pass into more acute forms, known as frontal, maxillary sinusitis, etmoiditis. 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 released from the affected sinuses. Without qualitative treatment, the infection can spread to the tissues adjacent to the nasal sinuses, in particular to reach the brain, which threatens with the most serious consequences.

Polyposis of the paranasal sinuses

Polyps are neoplasms of tissues, which gradually grow on the mucous membranes of the nose. They arise against a background of a variety of ailments. Most often lead to their formation of chronic inflammation of the tissues.

Among the main symptoms of polyposis is worth noting:

• Obstacle to free breathing;
• Periodic attacks of complete nasal congestion;
• Inflammation of tissues;
• Change voice timbre to more nasal;
• Violation of smell, and then hearing.

The growth of polyps is stopped by surgical intervention. If pathology is detected at early stages of formation, conservative methods of therapy may be used, in particular, the administration of antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin complexes.

Deformation of nasal septum

At the root of the pathology lies the deviation of the nasal septum from its midline to both or one side. The disease can be acquired or hereditary. If the nasal septum is deformed, a person may experience breathing problems, regularly suffer from sinusitis and rhinitis.

Treatment is carried out by surgical intervention. To restore health, an operation is performed to correct the nasal septum - the so-called septoplasty. The main purpose of the procedure is to improve nasal breathing.

Finally

As can be seen, 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 affected the paranasal sinuses. The methods that give the result for some pathologies may prove to be completely ineffective with the rest. In the presence of symptoms of the above ailments, it is better to immediately seek diagnosis from a qualified doctor, which will avoid complications.