Paranasal sinuses

Paranasal sinuses

Paranasal sinuses.

Lateral projection of the paranasal sinuses

Paranasal sinuses are a group of four paired air-filled spaces that surround the nasal cavity (maxillary sinuses), above the eyes (frontal sinuses), between the eyes (ethmoid sinuses), and behind the ethmoids (sphenoid sinuses). The sinuses are named for thefacial bones in which they are located.

Types in humans
Humans possess a number of paranasal sinuses, divided into subgroups that are named according to the bones within which the sinuses lie:

the maxillary sinuses, also called the maxillary antrechea and the largest of the paranasal sinuses, are under the eyes, in the maxillary bones.

the frontal sinuses, superior to the eyes, in the frontal bone, which forms the hard part of the forehead. the ethmoid sinuses, which are formed from several discrete air cells within the ethmoid bone between the nose and the eyes.

the sphenoid sinuses, in the sphenoid bone at the center of the skull base under the pituitary gland.

The paranasal air sinuses are lined with respiratory epithelium (ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium).

Biological function
The biological role of the sinuses is debated, but a number of possible functions have been proposed: Decreasing the relative weight of the front of the skull, and especially the bones of the face. Increasing resonance of the voice. Providing a buffer against blows to the face. Insulating sensitive structures like dental roots and eyes from rapid temperature fluctuations in the nasal cavity. Humidifying and heating of inhaled air because of slow air turnover in this region. Regulation of intranasal and serum gas pressures Immunological Defense

Despite these various proposals, the paranasal sinuses may not serve any biological function [1] at all, instead developing asspandrels during ontogeny.

Nose
The nasal root is the top of the nose, forming an indentation at the suture where the nasal bones meet the frontal bone. The anterior nasal spine is the thin projection of bone at the [2] midline on the lower nasal margin, holding the cartilaginous center of the nose. Adult humans have nasal hairs in the anterior nasal passage.

Function
The nasal cavity conditions the air to be received by the other areas of the respiratory tract. Owing to the large surface area provided by the nasal conchae, the air passing through the nasal cavity is warmed or cooled to within 1 degree of body temperature. In addition, the air is humidified, and dust and other particulate matter is removed by vibrissae, short, thick hairs, present in thevestibule. The cilia of the respiratory epithelium move the particulate matter towards the pharynx where it passes into the esophagusand is digested in the stomach.

Walls
The lateral wall of the nasal cavity is mainly made up by the maxilla, however there is a deficiency that is compensated by: the perpendicular plate of the palatine bone, the medial pterygoid plate, the labyrinth of the ethmoid and the inferior concha. The nasal cavity is enclosed by the nasal bone above. The floor of the nasal cavity, which forms the roof of the mouth, is made up by the bones of the hard palate: the horizontal plate of the palatine bone posteriorly and the palatine process of the maxilla anteriorly. To the front of the nasal cavity is the nose, while the back blends, via the choanae, into the nasopharynx. The paranasal sinuses are connected to the nasal cavity through small orifices calledostia. The nasal cavity is divided in two by a vertical fin called the nasal septum. On the sides of the nasal cavity are three horizontal outgrowths called nasal conchae (singular "concha") or turbinates. These turbinates disrupt the airflow, directing air toward theolfactory epithelium on the surface of the turbinates and the septum. The vomeronasal organ is located at the back of the septum and has a role in pheromone detection.

Cilia and mucus

Cilia and mucus along the inside wall of the nasal cavity trap and remove dust and pathogens from the air as it flows through the nasal cavity. The cilia move the mucus down the nasal cavity to the pharynx, where it can be swallowed. [edit]Blood

supply

There is a rich blood supply to the nasal cavity. In some animals, such as dogs, the capillary beds flowing through the nasal cavity help cool the blood flow to the brain. Blood supply comes from branches of both the internal and external carotid artery, including branches of the facial artery and maxillary artery. The named arteries of the nose are:

Sphenopalatine and Greater palatine arteries, branches of the maxillary artery. Anterior ethmoidal artery, a branch of the ophthalmic artery Branches of facial artery supplying the vestibule of the nasal cavity.

Innervation
Innervation of the nasal cavity responsible for the sense of smell is via the olfactory nerve, which sends microscopic fibers from the olfactory bulb through the cribiform plate to reach the top of the nasal cavity. General sensory innervation is by branches of the trigeminal nerve (V1 & V2):

Nasociliary nerve (V1) Nasopalatine nerve (V2) Posterior nasal branches of Maxillary nerve (V2)

There are two passages in the nasal cavity, not to be confused with nostrils.The entire nasal cavity is innervated by autonomic fibers. Sympathetic innervation to the blood vessels of the mucosa causes them to constrict, while the control of secretion by the mucous glands is carried on postganglionic parasympathetic nerve fibers originating from the facial nerve.