During FESS, the landmark structure 'basal lamella' (ground lamella) separates which two ethmoidal areas?

• A Ethmoid bulla and infundibulum
• B Superior turbinate and middle turbinate
• C Sphenoid sinus and posterior ethmoid
• D Anterior and posterior ethmoid sinuses ✓

Explanation

The basal lamella (ground lamella of the middle turbinate) is the posterosuperior attachment of the middle turbinate to the lateral nasal wall, and it forms the key surgical boundary between the anterior and posterior ethmoid sinuses. During FESS, this landmark must be identified; penetrating it posteriorly gives access to the posterior ethmoid cells. Anterior to the basal lamella lie the ethmoid bulla, uncinate process, and infundibulum; posterior cells drain into the superior meatus.

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.