Definition

1. Noun:
   • A paired air-filled cavity in the bones of the face near the nose: A paranasal sinus is one of several hollow spaces located within the bones surrounding the nasal cavity. These sinuses are lined with a mucous membrane that is continuous with the lining of the nose.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • An infection in a paranasal sinus can cause significant facial pain and congestion.
  • The CT scan showed inflammation in the maxillary and frontal paranasal sinuses.
  • The primary function of the paranasal sinuses is to lighten the skull and help resonate the voice.

Advanced Usage

• "Paranasal sinus disease": A medical term for conditions affecting these cavities, such as sinusitis.

  • Chronic paranasal sinus disease often requires specialized treatment.

• "Paranasal sinus anatomy": Refers to the study or structure of these sinus cavities.

  • Understanding paranasal sinus anatomy is crucial for ENT surgeons.

Variants and Related Words

• Sinus (noun): A more general term for a cavity or hollow space. In medical contexts, it often refers specifically to the paranasal sinuses.

  • The patient has a blocked sinus.

• Sinusitis (noun): Inflammation or infection of the sinuses, particularly the paranasal sinuses.

  • Acute sinusitis is a common complication of a cold.

Synonyms

• Nasal sinus: A less specific but sometimes used synonym.
• Accessory nasal sinus: An alternative technical term.

Related Phrases

• Paranasal sinus cavity: Emphasizes the hollow, air-filled nature of the structure.
  • The polyp was located within the paranasal sinus cavity.

Notes

• The term is almost exclusively used in medical, anatomical, and biological contexts. The paranasal sinuses are typically named for the bones in which they are located: the maxillary, frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses.

Noun

1. any of the paired sinuses in the bones of the face adjacent to the nasal cavity that are lined with mucous membrane that is continuous with the lining of the nasal cavities