Which is the largest paranasal sinus?
The maxillary sinus is the largest tissue among the paranasal sinuses.
The maxillary sinus is the largest hollow space in the paranasal sinuses. Normally, there are two large maxillary sinuses located within the maxillary bones on each side of the face, situated in the cheek area beside the nose. The maxillary sinus has a pyramid-like shape and each cavity consists of three walls oriented laterally, medially, and inferiorly. Similar to other sinuses, the maxillary sinuses help cleanse the nasal cavity, warm inhaled air, enhance vocal resonance during speech, improve voice quality, and also help reduce the load of supporting the head on the neck and shoulders.
In addition, the maxillary sinus is particularly susceptible to infections caused by viruses or bacteria, leading to conditions such as acute maxillary sinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and maxillary sinus cysts. Moreover, because of the close anatomical relationship between the upper teeth and the maxillary sinus, odontogenic infections and odontogenic tumors often involve the maxillary sinus.
When experiencing discomfort or symptoms related to the maxillary sinus, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital and receive targeted treatment under a physician's guidance to prevent further progression of the condition.