Harnessing the Hallowed Hollows of the Head: The Mysterious World of the Paranasal Sinuses

Laitman, Jeffrey T.

doi:10.1002/ar.20788

Cited by 17 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Although ''discovered'' centuries ago [see Blanton and Biggs (1969)], the function of the MS-and underlying patterns governing its form among humans-is largely unknown. Owing to this, the MS is one of the most enigmatic structures in modern humans (Laitman, 2008).In humans, a MS is located within each maxilla on either side of the nasal cavity (NC). Each MS communicates with the NC through a tiny opening known as an ostium (Moore, 1981).…”

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confidence: 99%

A preliminary 3D computed tomography study of the human maxillary sinus and nasal cavity

Butaric

McCarthy

Broadfield

2010

American J Phys Anthropol

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Despite centuries of investigation, the function of the maxillary sinus (MS) and underlying patterns governing its form remain elusive. In this study, we articulate a methodology for collecting volumetric data for the MS and nasal cavity (NC) from computed tomography (CT) scans and report details for a small sample of 39 dried human crania of known ecogeographic provenience useful for assessing variation in MS size and shape. We use scaling analyses to preliminarily test the hypothesis that volumes of the nasal cavity (NCV) and maxillary sinus (MSV) are inversely correlated such that the NC covaries with size of the face, whereas the MS "fills in" the leftover space [proposed by Shea: Am J Phys Anthropol 47 (1977):289-300]. Against expectation, MSV is not significantly correlated with NCV or any cranial size variable. NCV, on the other hand, scales isometrically with facial size. The results of this pilot study suggest that NCV covaries with facial size, but that the MS does not simply fill in the leftover space in the face. The role, if any, of the MSs in midfacial function and architecture remains unclear. Larger sample sizes, additional environmental variables, and assessment of MS and NC shape are necessary to resolve this issue.

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confidence: 99%

A preliminary 3D computed tomography study of the human maxillary sinus and nasal cavity

Butaric

McCarthy

Broadfield

2010

American J Phys Anthropol

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“…The maxillary sinus, also known as the "Antrum of Highmore", is located in the body of the maxilla on either side of the nasal cavity (Laitman, 2008). It is the largest of the paranasal sinuses, contributing to the form of the face (Fernandes, 2004).…”

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confidence: 99%

Shape, Septa and Scalloping of the Maxillary Sinus

2017

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RENNIE, C.; HAFFAJEE, M. R. & SATYAPAL, K. S.Shape, septa and scalloping of the maxillary sinus. Int. J. Morphol., 35(3):970-978, 2017. SUMMARY:The maxillary sinus varies according to age, however there are limited studies that have illustrated its 3D form over time. This study aimed to classify the maxillary sinus by the shape, number of septa and scallops in a 1 to 25 year age group, utilising computerized tomography (CT) scans and 3D reconstruction. CT scans (n=480) were reviewed from the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) of the state and private hospitals in Pietermaritzburg and Durban KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The sample consisted of 276 males and 204 females, 1-25 years and of two population groups, black African and white. SLICER 3D (www.slicer.org) was utilised in order to reconstruct a 3D model of the sinus. Morphological traits such as the presence of the sinus, scalloping and septa within the sinuses were categorised. In addition, the shape of the 3D model of the sinus was analysed anteriorly (coronal) and laterally (sagittal) adapting the classifications by Kim (1962) and Kim et al. (2002). The maxillary sinus was present bilaterally in n=477 individuals (99.4 %). Five different anterior shapes viz. Type 1 (triangular), Type 2 (upside down triangle), Type 3 (square), Type 4 (irregular) and Type 5 (rectangular) were identified in the anterior view. This shape was associated with age and population groups (p<0.05). In the lateral view, the maxillary sinus appeared to be quadrilateral with differences noted along the inferior wall. Intrasinus maxillary septa were more evident in the anterior region of the maxillary sinus (27.9 % right; 28.5 % left). The maxillary septa were commoner in females (37.9 % right; 39.4 % left) than in males (28.5 % right; 30.3 % left). They were also more commonly observed in the white cohort (63.8 % right; 68.1 % left) than in the black African cohort (29.1 % right; 30.5 % left). Scalloping in the axial plane from above along its anterior margin was also observed. An in-depth classification of the morphology of the 3D form of the maxillary sinus according to age (1 to 25 years) was established. Five different shapes in both the anterior and lateral view of the 3D model were observed. Anteriorly, it was noted that the main shape was Type 2 (upside down triangle). The shape of the sinus changed in the form according to age. Laterally, the shape was related to the development of the teeth, as the inferior wall of the sinus was classified. Maxillary septa and scalloping of the sinus were reported in all age groups. Surgically, the sinus morphology is essential for dental procedures such as sinus augmentation or dental implants, and anthropologically, in forensic identification.

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“…Their compendia detailed reviews and cutting‐edge science exploring many aspects of the zygoma's growth, development, variation, and experimental manipulations in a range of species. This, the second‐part, delves into questions that relate to evolutionary and comparative aspects of the vertebrate skull, long a favored topic of our august journal (see, for example, many papers in Laitman ; Ross, ; Marquez, ; Dodson, ; Van Valkenburgh et al, ). Delving deeper into our archives, one will find: comments on the evolutionary/systematic importance of facial bones in the comparative, osteological study of rails and cranes by Shufeldt (); by the extraordinary, and often under‐appreciated osteologist, Bruno Oetteking in his insights on the evolution of the human zygoma (Oetteking, ); work by Allis () assessing ancestral homologies to the squamosal bone in fish; beautiful, and detailed, comparative anatomy of the facial musculature and zygomatic arch of the orang by Sullivan and Osgood (); and by Shanker, on the skulls of extant and fossil turtles, with insights on jugal evolution among these groups and reptiles in general (Shanker, ).…”

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confidence: 99%

The Anatomical Record Continues Our Special Issue, “Understanding the Zygoma,” Now Exploring the Extraordinary Twists and Turns of Its Evolutionary Journey in Our First “Act II” of a Special Issue

Laitman¹,

Albertine²

2016

The Anatomical Record

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both of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, gave us an extraordinary view into one of the most important yet, arguably, often under-appreciated, facial connectors of the skull. Their compendia detailed reviews and cuttingedge science exploring many aspects of the zygoma's growth, development, variation, and experimental manipulations in a range of species. This, the secondpart, delves into questions that relate to evolutionary

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Harnessing the Hallowed Hollows of the Head: The Mysterious World of the Paranasal Sinuses

Cited by 17 publications

References 9 publications

A preliminary 3D computed tomography study of the human maxillary sinus and nasal cavity

A preliminary 3D computed tomography study of the human maxillary sinus and nasal cavity

Shape, Septa and Scalloping of the Maxillary Sinus

The Anatomical Record Continues Our Special Issue, “Understanding the Zygoma,” Now Exploring the Extraordinary Twists and Turns of Its Evolutionary Journey in Our First “Act II” of a Special Issue

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