The ostiomeatal complex (OMC) is the key functional unit targeted in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Which of the following structures is NOT part of the OMC?

• A Uncinate process
• B Middle meatus
• C Sphenoethmoidal recess ✓
• D Ethmoid infundibulum

Explanation

The ostiomeatal complex (OMC) comprises: the uncinate process, ethmoid infundibulum, hiatus semilunaris, anterior ethmoid cells, ostium of the maxillary sinus, and the middle meatus — all drainage pathways for the anterior group of sinuses (frontal, anterior ethmoids, and maxillary). The sphenoethmoidal recess is located posteromedially in the nasal cavity and receives drainage from the sphenoid sinus and posterior ethmoid cells — it is part of the POSTERIOR drainage pathway, not the OMC. FESS targeting the OMC (uncinectomy, anterior ethmoidectomy, middle meatal antrostomy) treats anterior group sinusitis; sphenoid/posterior ethmoid disease requires separate addressing of the 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.