Head and Neck Imaging

Ostiomeatal unit

functional entity representing the final common pathway for drainage and ventilation of the frontal and maxillary sinuses and the anterior ethmoidal cells. There exists no clear consensus as to the exact anatomical definition of the ostiomeatal unit. The ethmoid infundibulum, middle nasal meatus, ethmoid bulla and frontal recess are usually included (Fig.1) (Fig.2). It is also called ostiomeatal complex. Disease of these clefts and ostia may lead to a disturbance in the mucociliary clearance of the dependent sinuses and induce sinusal inflammation. Also, see sinonasal cavities anatomical variations and sinonasal cavities inflammation.

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Fig.2

Coronal CT image (other patient) shows frontal recess (stars).
Ostiomeatal unit, Fig.1
Ostiomeatal unit, Fig.2