The maxillary sinus is a crucial part of the human anatomy, located in the face near the cheekbones. Its spelling is derived from the Latin term "maxilla," meaning "jawbone." The word "sinus" is a common medical term used to refer to any hollow cavity within the body. In IPA phonetic transcription, "maxillary sinus" can be spelled as /mæksɪləri ˈsaɪnəs/, with the primary stress on the second syllable of "maxillary" and the first syllable of "sinus." This spelling helps to clarify the pronunciation of this complex medical term.
Maxillary sinus, also known as the antrum of Highmore, refers to one of the several sinuses found in the human skull. It is the largest paranasal sinus and is located within the maxillary bones, which are the bones of the upper jaw. The maxillary sinuses are paired structures, meaning there is one on each side of the face.
The maxillary sinus is a hollow, air-filled cavity that forms as an outgrowth of the nasal cavity. It is lined by a membrane called the Schneiderian membrane, which is continuous with the lining of the nasal cavity. The purpose of the maxillary sinus is to lighten the weight of the skull, humidify inhaled air, and produce mucus that helps in trapping and removing foreign particles from the respiratory system.
The maxillary sinus is situated below the eyes and extends from the floor of the eye socket to the roof of the mouth. It has a pyramidal shape and is approximately 1-2 inches in length. The sinus opens into the nasal cavity through a small drainage opening called the ostium of the maxillary sinus.
In normal conditions, the maxillary sinus is empty, except for a thin layer of mucus lining its walls. However, it can become inflamed due to various factors, such as infections, allergies, or structural abnormalities, leading to a condition known as sinusitis. This can cause symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, headache, congestion, and postnasal drip.
The word "maxillary" originates from the Latin word "maxilla" which means "jawbone". The term "maxillary sinus" refers to a pair of sinuses located in the maxilla bone, specifically in the cheek area. Therefore, the term "maxillary sinus" simply describes the location of these sinuses within the maxilla bone.