Which structure contains the maxillary sinuses?

Which structure contains the maxillary sinuses?

• A. Zygomatic arch
• B. Foramen magnum
• C. Bony nasal septum
• D. Body of maxilla

Answer: (D)

The maxillary sinuses are housed within the body of the maxilla. These air-filled cavities are located beneath the orbits and lateral to the nasal cavity, forming the largest of the paranasal sinuses. They drain into the middle nasal meatus, which is a helpful detail for understanding radiographic drainage pathways. The zygomatic arch is simply part of the cheekbone and does not contain a sinus cavity. The foramen magnum is the skull’s large opening at the base for the spinal cord, not a sinus. The bony nasal septum divides the nasal cavities and does not enclose a sinus. Therefore, the maxillary sinuses are in the body of the maxilla.

The maxillary sinuses are housed within the body of the maxilla. These air-filled cavities are located beneath the orbits and lateral to the nasal cavity, forming the largest of the paranasal sinuses. They drain into the middle nasal meatus, which is a helpful detail for understanding radiographic drainage pathways. The zygomatic arch is simply part of the cheekbone and does not contain a sinus cavity. The foramen magnum is the skull’s large opening at the base for the spinal cord, not a sinus. The bony nasal septum divides the nasal cavities and does not enclose a sinus. Therefore, the maxillary sinuses are in the body of the maxilla.