Which paranasal sinus is the last to begin pneumatization and may remain rudimentary or even aplastic well beyond childhood?
- A Frontal sinus ✓
- B Ethmoid sinus
- C Sphenoid sinus
- D Maxillary sinus
Correct answer: A. Frontal sinus
Explanation
The maxillary and ethmoid sinuses are present at birth, the sphenoid begins pneumatizing around age 2 to 3, and the frontal sinus is last, appearing around 5 to 6 years and reaching adult size only in late adolescence. About 5 percent of adults have unilateral or bilateral frontal aplasia. This developmental lag explains why frontal sinusitis is essentially a disease of older children and adults, not infants.
Reference: Dhingra, Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.