In functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), the 'osteomeatal complex' is the target of surgery. Which of the following structures is NOT part of the osteomeatal complex?
- A Uncinate process
- B Posterior ethmoidal cells (sinus lateralis) ✓
- C Maxillary sinus ostium
- D Anterior ethmoid cells (infundibulum)
Correct answer: B. Posterior ethmoidal cells (sinus lateralis)
Explanation
The osteomeatal complex (OMC) is a functional unit comprising: the uncinate process, the ethmoidal infundibulum (and its associated anterior ethmoid cells), the hiatus semilunaris, the middle turbinate, and the ostia of the frontal, maxillary, and anterior ethmoid sinuses. Posterior ethmoid cells drain into the superior meatus (above the middle turbinate) and are NOT part of the OMC. Obstruction of the OMC is the common pathway for anterior group sinusitis (maxillary, frontal, anterior ethmoid), and FESS aims to restore OMC patency.
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.