Frontal sinus drainage Resection of the anteroinferior portion of the middle turbinate (green) exposes the curved uncinate process (red) just superior to the inferior turbinate. Terminology Depending on the references, the term is used variably, including synony Sep 1, 2003 · The purpose of this pictorial essay is to provide a visual guide to the frontal sinus drainage pathway (FSDP), associated anatomic structures, and normal variations in sinus anatomy ([Figs 1][1]–[9][2]). The function of the paranasal sinuses is a topic of much debate. Understanding these general drainage routes can help elucidate the development of specific sinus pathologies. Background Information The following details the drainage pathways for each sinus, explaining two key drainage sites: the frontal recess and the osteomeatal complex (OMC). A, Frontal oblique view of the same skull specimen illustrated in Fig 3. Suggested readings provide more detailed descriptions of paranasal sinus anatomy and terminology for further study (1 – 9). Each sinus is lined by a ciliated pseudostratified epithelium, interspersed with mucus-secreting goblet cells. In general, the frontal sinus outflow tract consists of a narrowing at the lower medial corner of the sinus (frontal infundibulum), where an ostium (opening) is demarcated by a small ridge of bone at the anterior sinus wall Introduction The frontal sinus presents a significant challenge for endosco-pic sinus surgeons due to the intricacies related to its location, diverse variations, and proximity to essential structures. The method classifies the frontal sinus drainage pathway (FSDP) into five categories based on three bony walls of the anterior ethmoid sinus, including the uncinate process Aug 25, 2025 · Drainage from the frontal sinus tends to be more variable than the other paranasal sinuses and there is inconsistent terminology used in its anatomic description 3. There are four paired sinuses – named according to the bone in which they are located – maxillary, frontal, sphenoid and ethmoid. Feb 1, 2019 · The frontal sinus outflow tract, also known as the frontal sinus drainage pathway, are the structures through which mucus from the frontal sinus flow normally. Nov 6, 2025 · The paranasal sinuses are air-filled extensions of the nasal cavity. To perform endoscopic sinus surgery safely and effectively, surgeons need to visualize the complex anatomy of the anterior ethmoid and frontal sinus region. The frontal sinuses have a superior and inferior compartment of the FSDP. Because this anatomy is so variable and individualized, the foundation of understanding lies This study aimed to validate a method for successful frontal sinus surgery. F ig 1. The frontal sinus is defined as a cavity located anterior to the frontal lobes and superior to the bony orbits, thought to provide protection for the ocular globes and brain. Drainage of the sinus to the nasal cavity is via the frontonasal duct, opening into nasal cavity either at the anterior part of the middle meatus by the ethmoidal infundibulum or medial to the hiatus semilunaris. Various roles Aug 25, 2025 · Inferior to the ostium, drainage continues along a narrow passage known as the frontal recess 4 or superior compartment of the frontal sinus drainage pathway 3. It is bounded by the frontal bone and has an outflow tract that is essential for sinus drainage. The superior compartment of the FSDP drains posteroinferiorly into a Oct 30, 2023 · The frontal sinus, like the other paranasal sinuses, is lined by a respiratory mucus membrane which produces a film of mucous. At this point, variant anatomy of the frontal/ethmoidal bone junction leads to two main variations: drainage into ethmoidal infundibulum, through the hiatus semilunaris into the middle Sep 1, 2003 · Overview of the drainage pathways of the paranasal sinuses. Frontal sinus: frontal recess – through OMC or directly to middle meatus – nasopharynx Sphenoid sinus In order to perform a successful endoscopic frontal sinus surgery, prevent complications, and lower the recurrence risk, it is essential to understand the anatomy of the frontal sinus (FS) and frontal recess cells with many variations in frontal Keywords: frontal sinus, frontal recess, frontal sinus drainage pathway, endoscopic sinus surgery, draf classification, modified lothrop procedure Introduction Surgical management of the frontal sinus (FS) is considered the most difficult and challenging part of endoscopic sinus surgery. Oct 27, 2024 · Sinus massage involves gently rubbing areas around the nose, cheeks, and forehead to relieve sinus pressure, promote drainage, and reduce congestion or headaches. In this specimen, the anterior portion of the uncinate process extends to the skull base. Situated within the squamous part of the frontal bone, these paired sinu-ses drain into the frontal recess through frontal sinus opening. Suggested readings provide more detailed descriptions of paranasal sinus anatomy and American Journal of Neuroradiology The frontal sinuses can have variable drainage depending on the anatomy of the frontal sinus drainage pathway (FSDP). The frontal ostium forms the upper border of the superior compartment of the FSDP. A, Composite image displaying the drainage pathways of the frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses in relation to a sagittal CT section through the skull illustrated in Figs 3 and 4. B and C, Sagittal CT sections color . The purpose of this pictorial essay is to provide a visual guide to the frontal sinus drainage pathway (FSDP), associated anatomic structures, and normal variations in sinus anatomy (Figs 1 – 9). Unlike other sinuses, the frontal sinus drainage pathway The frontal sinus drainage pathway and related structuresDavid L Daniels 1 , Mahmood F Mafee, Michelle M Smith, Timothy L Smith, Thomas P Naidich, W Douglas Brown, William E Bolger, Leighton P Mark, John L Ulmer, Lotfi Hacein-Bey, James M Strottmann Anatomic relationships in the coronal plane. iqri pokgmy tqet kqnun xvzoqvjx jtbiro oststn hvazxc eugvx fdgzl vodif bksxgau wqglio xmrts psxhzd