Exploring the frontal recess: Specimens, endoscopy, and CT perspectives

Abstract

Abstract The frontal sinus, situated between the external and internal plates of the frontal bone, posterior to the brow ridges, is the most superior and complex structure within the paranasal sinuses. The frontal sinus outflow tract encompasses two parts: the frontal ostium superiorly and the frontal recess inferiorly, collectively forming the frontal sinus drainage pathway. The frontal recess represents the most anterosuperior portion of the ethmoid. Pneumatization of this area can extend from the agger nasi cell anteriorly to the ethmoidal bulla posteriorly. This recess is bounded by the orbital plate of the ethmoid laterally and the middle nasal concha (‘middle turbinate’) medially. The detailed understanding of frontal sinus anatomy is indispensable for medical professionals, including surgeons, otolaryngologists, rhinologists, and radio-logists. The frontal recess is clinically important, especially in the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions, particularly sinusitis. Surgeons often need to navigate this intricate area. Radiological imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, is frequently employed to evaluate the frontal sinus and its drainage pathway, enabling clinicians to identify abnormalities such as tumors, polyps, or foreign bodies. In this study, we investigated the anatomical intricacies of the frontal recess using specimens, CT scans, and endoscopic imagery sourced from didactic and clinical settings.