Maxillary Sinus
Pronunciation: mak-SIL-er-ee SY-nus
The largest of the paranasal air sinuses, located within the maxilla bilaterally, visible as a radiolucent air-filled cavity superimposed over the upper posterior tooth-bearing region on dental radiographs.
Full Definition
The maxillary sinus is a paired pneumatic space within the maxillary bone that is a routine anatomical finding on panoramic, periapical, and CBCT images in dental radiology. Its floor often lies in close proximity to the roots of the upper molar and premolar teeth, a relationship that is of key clinical and radiographic significance in implant planning and sinus lift surgery. Editors will encounter descriptions of the sinus floor, sinus wall cortication, and sinus pathology (e.g., mucosal thickening, polyps, or opacification) in reports. The preferred anatomical term is 'maxillary sinus'; 'antrum' or 'antrum of Highmore' are historically used synonyms that may appear in older literature. Editors should standardise terminology and avoid mixing 'antrum' and 'maxillary sinus' within the same document.
Usage
Usage note: 'Antrum' and 'maxillary sinus' refer to the same structure; standardise to 'maxillary sinus' in contemporary clinical documents unless quoting historic usage.
In Context
- "Mild mucosal thickening was noted within the left maxillary sinus, consistent with incidental sinusitis." — Panoramic radiology report
- "The term 'antrum' appeared in the original report; this was standardised to 'maxillary sinus' throughout the edited version." — Copy-editing log