Human Anatomy, Part 1 - K. A. Dyubenko, A. K. Kolomiysev, Yu. B. Chaykovsky 2002

Special Part
Respiratory System, systema respiratorium [respiratory apparatus, apparatus respiratorius] - General Overview
Paranasal Sinuses

The paranasal sinuses, sinus paranasales, (see «Osteology»), help reduce the weight of the bones in which they are located, increase their strength, act as resonators during phonation, and participate in warming inhaled air. The paranasal sinuses are lined with a mucous membrane that is a continuation of the Nasal cavity mucosa. Inflammation of the paranasal sinus mucosa is called sinusitis (frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis, etc.).

In humans, the nasal mucosa can be examined using a special funnel-shaped speculum (rhinoscopy). The mucous membrane covering the nasal conchae, nasal meatuses, ethmoid air Cells, and the nasal septum has a pink color. The openings of the frontal and maxillary sinuses are also visible.

The main source of Blood supply to the nasal cavity walls is the a. sphenopalatіna (a branch of the a. maxillaris). The anterior part is vascularized by the anterior and posterior ethmoidal Arteries (Branches of the a. ophthalmica). The External Nose receives blood from the a. dorsalis nasi and a. angularis. Venous blood from the walls of the nasal cavity and the external nose drains through corresponding Veins. It should be noted that the VEINS OF THE nasal cavity empty into the orbital veins, the pterygoid plexus, and the Dural Venous Sinuses. This can lead to the hematogenous spread of infection from the nasal mucosa to these anatomical structures.

Lymphatic drainage proceeds from the external nose to the submandibular Lymph Nodes, and from the walls of the nasal cavity to the retropharyngeal and deep cervical lymph nodes.

Sensory Innervation of the nasal cavity walls is provided by the First and Second branches of the Trigeminal nerve. Autonomic innervation of the mucosal glands and vessels is supplied by sympathetic fibers running along the Blood Vessels and parasympathetic fibers from the ganglion pterygopalatinum.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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