Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
Online
Get help How to study
English
Login Register
Courses
Anatomy
Basics Upper limb Lower limb Spine and back Thorax Abdomen Pelvis and perineum Head and neck Neuroanatomy Cross sections Radiological anatomy
Histology
Types of tissues Body systems
Articles
Anatomy
Basics Upper limb Lower limb Spine and back Thorax Abdomen Pelvis and perineum Head and neck Neuroanatomy Cross sections Radiological anatomy
Histology
Types of tissues
ArticlesAnatomyHead and neckSkullMaxillary sinus
Table of contents
Ready to learn?
Pick your favorite study tool

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!

ArticlesAnatomyHead and neckSkullMaxillary sinus

Maxillary sinus

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Anatomy of the skull [10:46]
Introduction to the bones that make up the skull.
Maxillary sinus
Sinus maxillaris
1/3
Synonyms: Antrum of Highmore, Maxillary paranasal sinus , show more...

The maxillary sinus is the largest paranasal sinus situated in the body of the maxilla. The maxillary sinus is connected with the middle nasal meatus via the maxillary ostium.

The maxillary sinus is bordered by three main walls:

  • The roof – is a thin bony plate shared with the inferior wall of the orbit
  • The floor – is composed by the alveolar process of the maxilla. It hosts a couple of elevations formed by the roots of the maxillary teeth. This can be a potential pathway for infection of the sinus, mainly during a complicated dentist procedure.
  • The base – makes the inferior portion of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity

The maxillary sinus is vascularized mainly by the branches of maxillary artery and innervated by the branches of the maxillary nerve.

Terminology English: Maxillary sinus
English synonyms: Sinus paranasalis maxillaris, Sinus Highmori
Latin: Sinus maxillaris
Latin synonyms: Antrum of Highmore, Maxillary paranasal sinus
Definition The maxillary sinus is a paired paranasal sinus situated in the body of the maxilla. 
Main parts Base, roof, floor

Learn more about the sinuses of the skull with the following study unit: 

Bones of the skull Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Frank H.Netter MD: Atlas of Human Anatomy, 5th Edition, Elsevier Saunders.
  • Chummy S.Sinnatamby: Last’s Anatomy Regional and Applied, 12th Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
  • Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell WMA. Gray’s anatomy for students. 4th ed. 2020.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Maxillary sinus: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

What do you prefer to learn with?

Videos Quizzes Both

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more.

Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver
© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!