Question

The paranasal sinuses are named for the bones where they are located. Rank the bones in order starting with the most superior.

1. maxilla
2. frontal
3. ethmoid

Answer 1

The paranasal sinuses can be ranked from most superior to inferior as follows: frontal, ethmoid, maxillary, and sphenoid. The frontal sinus is located above the eyebrows and the sphenoid sinus is the most posterior, situated below the sella turcica.

Step-by-step explanation:

The paranasal sinuses are hollow, air-filled spaces within the bones of the skull that help humidify and warm inhaled air. Based on the provided descriptions, the sinuses can be ranked in order by their location from the most superior to inferior within the skull. The frontal sinus is the most anterior and located above the eyebrows in the frontal bone. Following this is the ethmoid air cells, which are located on both sides of the ethmoid bone, between the upper nasal cavity and medial orbit. The maxillary sinuses are situated in the maxillary bones below the orbits and are the largest of the sinuses. The sphenoid sinus, which is the most posterior, is found within the body of the sphenoid bone, below the sella turcica.

1. Frontal (most superior)
2. Ethmoid
3. Maxillary
4. Sphenoid (most inferior)

The sinuses play a role in producing mucus, lightening the weight of the skull, and aiding in the resonance of the voice.