The sphenoid sinus opens into which region of the nasal cavity?
- A Superior meatus
- B Sphenoethmoidal recess ✓
- C Middle meatus
- D Inferior meatus
Correct answer: B. Sphenoethmoidal recess
Explanation
The sphenoid sinus ostium lies high on its anterior wall and drains into the sphenoethmoidal recess, the space between the superior turbinate and the anterior face of the sphenoid. Posterior ethmoid cells drain into the superior meatus, while frontal, maxillary, and anterior ethmoid sinuses drain via the middle meatus. This drainage pattern explains why isolated sphenoid sinusitis presents with deep-seated vertex headache rather than typical rhinosinusitis symptoms.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.