Definition

1. Noun:
   • One of a pair of sinuses forming a cavity in the maxilla: The maxillary sinus is an air-filled space located within the body of the maxilla, one of the bones of the face that forms the upper jaw. It is the largest of the paranasal sinuses.

Usage

• The term "maxillary sinus" is used in medical, anatomical, and dental contexts to refer to this specific anatomical structure.
• It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • A common site for sinusitis is the maxillary sinus.
  • The dentist took an X-ray to check the proximity of the tooth root to the floor of the maxillary sinus.
  • Surgery may be required to drain an infected maxillary sinus.

Advanced Usage

• "Maxillary sinusitis": Inflammation or infection of the maxillary sinus cavity.
  • He was diagnosed with acute maxillary sinusitis.
• "Maxillary sinus floor": The inferior bony wall of the sinus, often relevant in dental procedures.
  • The implant was placed with care to avoid perforating the maxillary sinus floor.

Variants and Related Words

• Antrum of Highmore: An older, less common synonym for the maxillary sinus.
• Paranasal sinus: A general term for the sinuses connected to the nasal cavity, which includes the maxillary, frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses.
• Sinus: A general term for a cavity or hollow space.

Synonyms

• Maxillary antrum: A direct synonym used in medical terminology.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the paired cavities in the left and right maxillary bones. It does not refer to other sinuses (e.g., frontal sinus) or to general sinus conditions unless modified (e.g., maxillary sinus disease).

Noun

1. one of a pair of sinuses forming a cavity in the maxilla