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The maxillary sinuses (sinuses) are special anatomical formations that are located above the maxillary bone. These formations are paired and are the most extensive in terms of volume among the facial sinuses. On average, the volume of these cavities fluctuates around 10-13 cm³.Anatomical features
The maxillary sinuses do not have a constant size and shape throughout a person’s life, but change significantly along with the growing bones of the skull, that is, they are directly tied to age characteristics. In most cases, the form of these important formations, resembling an irregular pyramid with four faces. The parts of this pyramid are called:
- Eye (is the top);
- Facial (is the front);
- back;
- Internal.
Maxillary sinuses
The pyramid is based on the bottom part or, as it is also called, the bottom wall. It often turns out that the bottom of the pyramid has outlines that are far from symmetrical.
The walls of these anatomical formations are responsible for their volume. Naturally, the smaller the thickness of a particular part, the cavity will have a larger size there, and vice versa - the greater the thickness, the smaller the volume.
If the anatomical development of the facial skeleton is not disturbed, then the maxillary sinuses are directly connected with the nasal cavity.
In the inner part of the formations there is a special hole that opens into the middle course of the nose.
The bottom structure of the maxillary sinuses is formed with the participation of the process of the maxillary bone, which is called the alveolar. Thanks to the same small layer of bone tissue, the sinuses and the oral cavity are separated.
The wall of the cavities, located below, is in close proximity to the upper teeth, which explains the frequent spread of the inflammatory process from the roots of the teeth in the cavity, and then further to the orbits and meninges.
Interesting! Another significant feature of the bottom of this anatomical formation is that there is a small number of receptors in its mucous membrane, which is why inflammation in the early stages goes without severe symptoms and is detected in an already advanced form.
eye wall
The walls of this structure are characterized by a small thickness. The back section of this structure is the thinnest compared to other parts.
The main feature of the posterior wall of the eye is that in the immediate vicinity of it there is not only a canal in which the infraorbital nerve runs, but also several large vessels.
Important! Inflammation affecting the eye wall is dangerous, first of all, by the threat of damage to the infraorbital nerve and the spread of inflammation into the eye orbit.
Inner wall
This structure is close to two important nasal passages - middle and lower. Another important anatomical characteristic is provided by the thickness of the structure - it is uneven in different departments, increasing from top to bottom.
Closer to the bottom of the orbit, that is, in the upper part of the wall there is a small round hole that provides a connection between the nasal cavity and the sinus cavities.
Rear part internal structure dotted with lattice cells, and at the point of transition of the inner nasal wall to the anterior one there is a nasolacrimal canal.
Inner wall of maxillary sinuses
front wall
Closer to the alveolar process of the maxillary bone, the front wall of the sinuses is formed. The infraorbital region also takes part in the formation of this structure. This part has the largest thickness, which is what stands out from the others.
From the side of the face, the sinuses are closed by the soft tissues of the cheeks, so that if desired, they can be felt.
A feature of the facial part is that one of the branches of the trigeminal nerve passes along its surface.
Back wall
The maxillary tubercle determines the location of the posterior side. The back surface of this part is in close contact with the pterygopalatine fossa, which is why with sinusitis there is always a risk of developing blood poisoning, since one of the venous plexuses of the body is located there.
How do the maxillary sinuses relate to the teeth
Maxillary sinuses and teeth
There are three options for the possible relationship of the maxillary sinuses to the teeth located in the upper jaw:
- The bottom surface of the nasal cavity is lower than the lower part of the anatomical formation;
- The bottom surface of the nasal cavity and the bottom of the sinuses are on the same level;
- The bottom surface of the nasal cavity rises above the bottom of the anatomical formation, due to which the roots of the teeth of the upper jaw come close to the lower wall of the sinuses.
What are the functions of the sinuses
The maxillary sinuses are an important anatomical formation. They perform the following functions:
- Warming, moisturizing and cleaning the air that enters the nasal cavities from environment hence ensuring respiratory function.
- Resonance activity during a conversation. The maxillary sinuses provide individual features of voice sounding. It is these sinuses and other cavities of the facial part of the skull that are responsible for the diversity of the timbre and sound of voices inherent in different people.
- Olfactory function. Thanks to these cavities, a person's ability to sense and distinguish between different odors is formed.
- Filter function for which the epithelium lining the maxillary sinuses is responsible.
The location of the maxillary sinuses is very close to other important anatomical formations, such as the orbit, cranial nerves, and large vessels. That is why it is important to treat diseases of these sinuses in a timely manner in order to prevent the spread of inflammation and prevent the development of life-threatening consequences.
The maxillary sinus is the largest of all paranasal sinuses. It is commonly called the maxillary sinus. The first name is associated with its location - it occupies almost the entire space above the upper jaw.
At birth, the maxillary cavities in an infant are in their infancy - they are only two small pits. Gradually, as the child grows, they increase and form. A full state is reached by puberty.
The changes in them do not end there, and by old age they reach their maximum size due to the resorption of bone tissue. Both sinuses are not always the same size, asymmetry is very common, because the dimensions directly depend on the thickness of their walls.
Important. Abnormal cases are known (about 5% of the total population of the planet), when the maxillary sinuses may be absent altogether.
The anatomy of the maxillary sinus is as follows:
The structure of the maxillary sinus includes several bays:
- alveolar the bay of the maxillary sinus is formed due to the filling of air with the spongy tissue of the alveolar process. It provides a connection between the maxillary cavity and the dental roots;
- infraorbital the bay appears from the fact that the bottom of the infraorbital canal protrudes into the cavity. This bay connects the maxillary cavity with the orbit;
- spheroidal the bay is located closest to the cavity;
- prelacrimal the bay behind covers a dacryocyst.
You can see the photo of the maxillary sinus.
Functions
outdoor features:
- purification, heating and humidification of the air entering the nose during inhalation.
- the formation of an individual timbre and the sound of a voice due to the formation of resonance.
- maxillary have special surfaces that are involved in the recognition of odors.
- the structural function is to give a certain shape to the frontal bone.
Internal features:
- ventilation.
- drainage.
- protective: eyelashes epithelial tissue help to expel mucus.
The paranasal sinuses are voids filled with air, which are located in the bones of the facial skull. They have some ducts into the nasal cavity. In total, 4 groups of cavities are distinguished in a person, the maxillary and frontal cavities are located symmetrically, that is, on both sides of the nose. Their inner surface is lined with epithelium with some cells that have the ability to produce mucous contents. Mucus of this kind, with the help of cilia, moves towards the ducts and is expelled.
The paranasal sinuses surround the human nose from all sides, they are presented in the form of cavities, which include the maxillary sinuses. According to the place of localization, they are called the maxillary sinuses of the nose, and they received their first name in honor of the English physician who first described the disease of sinusitis. In the internal parts of such cavities there are vessels and nerve endings. Similar components are expelled into the nasal cavity with the help of an anastomosis.
Features of the structure of the maxillary sinus
The maxillary sinuses form much earlier than the air cavities located in the front of the skull. In infants, they look like some small dimples. The process of their formation is completely completed by the age of 12-14.
It is interesting to know that in older people, bone tissue often breaks down, and that is why their maxillary sinus enlarges.
Anatomically, the structure of the maxillary sinuses is as follows. They are combined with the nasal cavity through a narrow connecting canal, which is called fistula. The anatomical feature of their structure is that in calm state they are filled with oxygen and pneumatized. Inside, these recesses consist of thin mucous membranes, on which a certain number of nerve plexuses and elastic formations are located. That is why, localized in the nasal cavities, it often proceeds in a latent form, and only then do pronounced symptoms appear.
The maxillary sinuses consist of upper, outer, inner, anterior and posterior walls. Each of them has individual characteristics. It is worth noting that you can notice the manifestation of the disease yourself, but you should not take any actions aimed at treatment. Self-treatment is a rather dangerous occupation, which often causes negative consequences. A person should contact a specialist who will select the treatment.
Fistula and its structure
This part of the nose is responsible for the free circulation of air inside the cavity. The fistula of the maxillary sinuses is located in their posterior walls. It has a round or oval shape. The fistula size is from 3-5 millimeters. It is covered with mucous membranes, in which there is a minimum of endings of nerves and blood vessels.
The fistula has a feature to expand and narrow. It increases due to the outflow of mucus that protects it. The following reasons can provoke a narrowing of the anastomosis:
- viral and infectious diseases;
- features of the structure of the body;
- various pathologies of the upper respiratory tract.
In the anastomosis there are many small particles called cilia, which are constantly in motion and move the accumulated mucus to the exit. If the anastomosis has a significant diameter, the mucous contents, as a rule, do not have time to accumulate. In this case, the evacuation of the contents is ensured even at the time of viral diseases.
Changing the configuration of the anastomosis, of course, affects the development of diseases. If the anastomosis decreases, the mucus produced accumulates in the cavity, and then it stagnates. This creates the maximum favorable environment for the development and reproduction of pathological bacteria. It happens, and sinusitis is diagnosed.
Vasodilation also often causes pathology, in some cases cysts occur. This happens due to the fact that with each breath a current of cool air enters the cavity. Formations of this kind in most cases do not require therapy, but constant monitoring of them is simply necessary. The main task of the patient is only a regular visit to the otolaryngologist.
Top and bottom walls
The thickness of the upper walls of the maxillary sinuses does not exceed 1.2 mm. They border on the orbit, and that is why the inflammatory process in such a cavity often has a negative effect on the eyes and vision function in general. It is worth noting that the consequences in this case can be the most unpredictable. Against the background of sinusitis, conjunctivitis and other, more dangerous pathologies of the organs of vision often develop.
The thickness of the lower wall is quite small, in certain areas of the bone it is completely absent, and the vessels and nerve endings passing in such places are separated only by the periosteum. It is this factor that increases the risk of sinusitis due to dental diseases. This is due to the fact that the roots of the teeth of the upper jaw are located close enough and are not protected.
Inner wall
The inner wall is also called the medial, it is located next to the middle and lower nasal passages. The adjacent zone is often connected, but at the same time quite thin. It is through it that they often carry out.
The wall joining the lower course, in most cases, has a membranous structure. In this area there is an opening of the maxillary sinus, through which the connection of the maxillary sinuses and nasal cavities occurs, in case of blockage of which an inflammatory process is formed. That is why it is worth remembering that a common cold should be a reason to see a doctor, because long-term self-medication often causes negative consequences.
It should be noted that the maxillary sinus has an anastomosis, the length of which reaches 1 centimeter. Due to its location in the upper section, sinusitis acquires chronic form. This is due to the fact that the outflow of fluid is very difficult.
Front and back walls
The facial wall of the maxillary sinuses is characterized as the most dense. It is covered by the tissues of the cheek, and only it is available for palpation. On its front wall there is a canine fossa, a reference point to which is held when opening the mandibular cavity.
A recess of this kind can have a different depth. In some cases, it reaches a significant size, and when puncturing the sinuses from the side of the lower nasal passage, the needle has the ability to penetrate into the orbit or soft tissues of the cheek. This often causes purulent complications, therefore it is extremely important to involve only an experienced specialist to perform the manipulation.
The posterior wall of the maxillary sinuses is often adjacent to the maxillary tubercle. reverse side it is turned towards the pterygopalatine fossa, in which some specific venous plexus is located. Do not forget that with inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses, blood poisoning is possible.
The maxillary sinus performs the most important internal and external functions. Among the internal ones, ventilation and drainage are distinguished, among the external ones - barrier, secretory and suction.
The largest paranasal sinus is the maxillary or, as it is also called, the maxillary sinus. It got its name due to its special location: this cavity fills almost the entire body of the upper jaw. The shape and volume of the maxillary sinuses vary depending on the age and individual characteristics of the person.
The structure of the maxillary sinus
The maxillary sinuses of the nose appear before the rest of the paranasal cavities. In newborn babies, they are small pits. The maxillary sinuses are fully developed by puberty. However, they reach their maximum size in old age, since at this time bone tissue resorption sometimes occurs.
The maxillary sinuses communicate with the nasal cavity through an anastomosis- a narrow connecting channel. In the normal state, they are filled with air, i.e. pneumatized.
From the inside, these recesses are lined with a rather thin mucous membrane, which is extremely poor in nerve endings and blood vessels. That is why diseases of the maxillary cavities are often asymptomatic for a long time.
There are upper, lower, inner, anterior and posterior walls of the maxillary sinus. Each of them has its own characteristics, the knowledge of which allows you to understand how and why the inflammatory process occurs. And this means that the patient has the opportunity to timely suspect problems in the paranasal sinuses and other organs located close to them, as well as to correctly prevent the disease.
Top and bottom walls
The upper wall of the maxillary sinus has a thickness of 0.7-1.2 mm. It borders on the orbit, so the inflammatory process in the maxillary cavity often negatively affects vision and the eyes in general. And the consequences can be unpredictable.
The bottom wall is quite thin. Sometimes in some parts of the bone it is completely absent, and the vessels and nerve endings passing here are separated from the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinus only by the periosteum. Such conditions contribute to the development of odontogenic sinusitis - an inflammatory process that occurs due to damage to the teeth, the roots of which are adjacent to the maxillary cavity or penetrate into it.
Inner wall
The inner, or medial, wall borders on the middle and lower nasal passages. In the first case, the adjacent zone is continuous, but rather thin. Through it, it is quite easy to puncture the maxillary sinus.
The wall adjacent to the lower nasal passage has a membranous structure for a considerable length. At the same time, there is an opening through which the maxillary sinus and the nasal cavity communicate.
When it is clogged, an inflammatory process begins to form. That is why even a common cold must be treated in a timely manner.
Both the right and left maxillary sinus can have an anastomosis up to 1 cm long. Due to its location in the upper section and relative narrowness, sinusitis sometimes becomes chronic. After all, the outflow of the contents of the cavities is much more difficult.
Front and back walls
The anterior, or facial, wall of the maxillary sinus is considered the thickest. It is covered by the soft tissues of the cheek, and it is accessible for palpation. In the center of the anterior wall there is a special depression - the canine fossa, which is guided by when opening the mandibular cavity.
This depression can be of various depths. Moreover, in the case when it is quite large, when puncturing the maxillary sinus from the side of the lower nasal passage, the needle can even penetrate into the orbit or into the soft tissues of the cheek. This often leads to purulent complications, so it is important that an experienced specialist perform such a procedure.
The posterior wall of the maxillary cavity corresponds to the maxillary tubercle. Its back surface faces the pterygopalatine fossa, where a specific venous plexus is located. Therefore, with inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, there is a risk of blood poisoning.
Functions of the maxillary sinus
The maxillary sinuses serve several purposes. The main functions among them are the following:
- development of nasal breathing. Before the air enters the body, it is cleaned, humidified and warmed. It is these tasks that the paranasal sinuses implement;
- the formation of resonance when creating a voice. Thanks to the paranasal cavities, an individual timbre and sonority are developed;
- development of the sense of smell.The special surface of the maxillary sinuses is involved in the recognition of odors.
In addition, the ciliated epithelium of the maxillary cavities performs a cleansing function. This becomes possible due to the presence of specific cilia moving in the direction of the anastomosis.
Diseases of the maxillary sinuses
The private name for inflammation of the maxillary sinuses is sinusitis. The term that generalizes the defeat of the paranasal cavities is sinusitis. It is usually used until an accurate diagnosis is established. This wording indicates the localization of the inflammatory process - the paranasal sinuses or, in other words, the sinuses.
Depending on the concentration of the disease, several varieties of sinusitis are distinguished:
- right-sided, when only the right maxillary sinus is affected;
- left-sided, if inflammation occurs in the left paranasal cavity;
- bilateral. Infection of both areas is implied.
Under certain circumstances, inflammation is even visible in the photo: the maxillary sinus in case of damage has a pronounced swelling. This symptom requires an immediate visit to a qualified doctor and the adoption of measures recommended by a specialist. Although even in the absence of visual signs, it is necessary to treat sinusitis in a timely manner. Otherwise, there is a risk of complications.
