Which of the following groups of paranasal sinuses drains into the sphenoethmoidal recess?
- A Maxillary and anterior ethmoidal sinuses
- B Frontal and maxillary sinuses
- C Posterior ethmoidal and sphenoidal sinuses ✓
- D Anterior ethmoidal and frontal sinuses
Correct answer: C. Posterior ethmoidal and sphenoidal sinuses
Explanation
The sphenoethmoidal recess lies between the superior turbinate and the nasal septum, superior to the superior meatus. It receives the opening of the sphenoid sinus and the posterior group of ethmoidal air cells. The remaining sinuses, that is maxillary, frontal and anterior ethmoids, drain through the middle meatus via the ostiomeatal complex, while the nasolacrimal duct opens into the inferior meatus. This anatomical division explains why disease isolated to the sphenoethmoidal recess can be missed endoscopically without examining behind the superior turbinate.
Reference: Dhingra's Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.