In which bones are the paranasal sinuses contained?

The paranasal sinuses are air-filled spaces located within certain bones of the skull that play a role in reducing the weight of the skull, helping with voice resonance, and providing insulation for sensitive structures within the head. The primary bones that contain the paranasal sinuses are the frontal bone, maxilla, ethmoid bone, and sphenoid bone.

The frontal sinuses are located in the frontal bone above the eyes. The maxillary sinuses, the largest of the paranasal sinuses, are situated in the maxilla, along the cheeks. The ethmoid bones contain several small air cells that make up the ethmoidal sinuses, which are located between the nose and the eyes. Additionally, the sphenoid sinuses are found within the sphenoid bone, located deeper in the skull behind the nasal cavity.

By understanding which bones contain the paranasal sinuses—namely the frontal, maxilla, ethmoid, and sphenoid—one can appreciate the anatomical relationships and functions of these structures in relation to the respiratory system and their clinical significance.