During FESS for chronic maxillary sinusitis, the surgeon identifies the uncinate process. To open the natural maxillary ostium, the uncinate process should be displaced medially or excised. What important anatomical structure immediately lateral to the uncinate process determines which direction it drains?
- A Middle turbinate
- B Orbit (lamina papyracea) ✓
- C Ethmoidal bulla
- D Nasolacrimal duct
Correct answer: B. Orbit (lamina papyracea)
Explanation
The uncinate process may drain superiorly into the frontal recess or orbit, or into the ethmoid infundibulum depending on its superior attachment. The lamina papyracea (paper-thin medial orbital wall) lies immediately lateral to the uncinate process. This is surgically critical because overly lateral dissection during uncinectomy risks orbital penetration. The 'basal lamella' of the uncinate's superior attachment can direct frontal recess drainage — if the uncinate attaches to the lamina papyracea, the frontal recess drains medially into the middle meatus.
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.