Agger nasi cells are important in endoscopic sinus surgery because they:

• A Are the most anterior ethmoid cells and narrow the frontal recess when enlarged ✓
• B Form the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus ostium
• C Lie posterior to the middle turbinate, obstructing posterior ethmoid drainage
• D Contain the optic nerve and carotid artery in their lateral walls

Explanation

Agger nasi cells are the most anteriorly placed ethmoid air cells, sitting just anterior and superior to the middle turbinate attachment at the lateral nasal wall. When pneumatized, they form the anterior wall of the frontal recess and are the most common cause of frontal sinus outflow obstruction. In FESS, identifying and removing enlarged agger nasi cells is critical to achieving adequate frontal sinus drainage. Sphenoid sinus cells (Onodi cells) — not agger nasi — relate to the optic nerve/carotid artery proximity.

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.