Body Space or Junction
maxillary sinus Audio
max·il·lar·y si·nus [ mak-suh-ler-ee, mak-sil-uh-ree sahy-nuhs ]
Subclass of:
Nasal sinus
Definitions related to maxillary sinus:
  • A pyramidal-shaped, thin-walled, air-filled cavity located in the maxilla. It is lined by mucus membrane and periosteum (mucoperiosteum) which contains cilia. It is adjacent to the nasal cavity and communicates with the middle meatus of the nose. It is the largest paranasal sinus and is composed of three recesses: alveolar, zygomatic, and infraorbital.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • A type of paranasal sinus (a hollow space in the bones around the nose). There are two large maxillary sinuses, one in each of the maxillary bones, which are in the cheek area next to the nose. The maxillary sinuses are lined with cells that make mucus to keep the nose from drying out.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • The air space located in the body of the MAXILLARY BONE near each cheek. Each maxillary sinus communicates with the middle passage (meatus) of the NASAL CAVITY on the same side.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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