Sinusformationer

Sinusformationer is a term used primarily in Swedish to describe the formation and development of sinuses, especially the paranasal sinuses in the skull. In medical contexts it refers to how these air-filled cavities form, pneumatize over time, and how their development can influence anatomy and function. Outside anatomy, the phrase may occasionally appear in geology or paleontology as a label for stratigraphic formations that include the word Sinus, but such usage is rare and not standardized.

Paranasal sinuses include the maxillary, frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses. At birth some sinuses are present in rudimentary form, while others develop during childhood and adolescence through a process called pneumatization, in which air-filled spaces extend into surrounding bone. The sinuses are connected to the nasal cavity by small drainage openings and are lined by mucous membranes with cilia that help move secretions.

Functions attributed to the paranasal sinuses include lightening the weight of the skull, contributing to voice resonance, and warming and humidifying inhaled air. They also participate in mucociliary clearance and immune defense. Clinically, sinusformation can be affected by inflammation (sinusitis), allergic disease, polyps, mucoceles, or congenital anomalies such as hypoplasia or aplasia. Diagnosis typically involves history, nasal endoscopy, and imaging, most often computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment depends on the condition and may range from saline irrigation and decongestants to antibiotics for bacterial infections and, in chronic or obstructive cases, endoscopic sinus surgery to restore drainage and ventilation.