During frontal sinusotomy, the endoscopic surgeon encounters the largest and most constant anterior ethmoid air cell that forms the posterior wall and floor of the frontal recess. Patency of the frontal sinus outflow tract depends on preserving the mucosa around this structure. Which cell is this?
- A Agger nasi cell ✓
- B Suprabullar cell
- C Ethmoid bulla
- D Sphenoethmoid (Onodi) cell
Correct answer: A. Agger nasi cell
Explanation
The agger nasi cell, present in nearly all patients, sits immediately anterior to the frontal recess and defines its anterior and inferior boundaries. Its enlargement narrows the frontal outflow tract and causes frontal sinusitis, so limited removal while preserving the adjacent mucosal flap keeps the neo-ostium patent. The ethmoid bulla forms the posterior boundary of the recess, not the anterior one.
Reference: Stammberger, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: The Messerklinger Technique, 1st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.