Sinuses | Sinusitis | Rhinosinusitis Defined

The sinuses are located in the front of the face in the forehead (frontal sinuses), between the eyes (ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses) and in the cheekbones (maxillary sinuses). The sinus anatomy is illustrated below.

 

The sinuses are cavities in your skull located around the eyes and behind the nose. Sinus pockets are also referred to as paranasal sinuses. These cavities lighten the weight of the skull. They also filter and moisten the air you breathe and give resonance to your voice. The sinuses are lined with very fine hair-like cells called cilia. The cilia help drain mucus through the sinus passages into the nose.

Rhinosinusitis, commonly referred to as sinusitis, occurs when the sinus openings become blocked or too much mucus builds up causing one or more of the cavities to become inflamed or swollen. Allergic rhinitis or asthma can be associated with chronic sinusitis.

Learn more about rhinosinusitis symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management.

Video: What are sinusitis, rhinosinusitis and sinus infections?