The ostiomeatal complex (OMC) is the final common drainage pathway for which sinuses?

• A Posterior ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinuses
• B Maxillary sinus and sphenoid sinus only
• C All paranasal sinuses converge at the OMC
• D Maxillary, anterior ethmoid, and frontal sinuses ✓

Explanation

The ostiomeatal complex (OMC) is a functional unit in the middle meatus comprising the uncinate process, hiatus semilunaris, infundibulum, ethmoid bulla, and the drainage ostia of the frontal, anterior ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses. Mucosal disease at the OMC leads to drainage obstruction of all three anterior sinuses — the basis for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses drain via the superior meatus/sphenoethmoidal recess.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.