During endoscopic sinus surgery, the surgeon identifies the superior meatus of the lateral nasal wall. Which of the following structures drains into the superior meatus?

• A Frontal sinus
• B Maxillary sinus
• C Nasolacrimal duct
• D Posterior ethmoidal air cells ✓

Explanation

The superior meatus, below the superior turbinate, receives drainage from the posterior group of ethmoidal air cells. The frontal, maxillary and anterior ethmoidal sinuses drain through the middle meatus via the ostiomeatal complex, while the nasolacrimal duct opens into the inferior meatus at Hasner's valve. The sphenoid sinus opens into the sphenoethmoidal recess above the superior turbinate. Knowing this drainage map allows the surgeon to predict disease spread and avoid operating on the wrong meatus.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.