Sinuses Near Nose Not Just 'Evolutionary Leftover'
03/15/13
FRIDAY, March 15 (HealthDay News) -- If people think about their
sinuses at all, it's usually because they are blocked or infected.
But, according to a new study, the so-called maxillary sinuses play
an important role in the shape and function of the nose.
The findings dispel the long-held belief that these sinuses --
bulbous pouches located on either side of the nose -- are
evolutionary leftovers with little useful function in modern
humans.
In the University of Iowa-led study, researchers studied the
faces of 20 people of African origin and 20 people of European
origin.
The investigators concluded that the maxillary sinuses change
their size in order to "allow the nose to change shape without
affecting other areas of the face," lead author Nathan Holton, a
biological anthropologist, said in a university news release.
This is important because different nose shapes evolved based on
climate conditions. Among people in colder areas, the nose became
narrower and longer in order to better trap air in the nasal
passage and warm and moisten it before it reaches the lungs. Among
people in warmer regions, the nose is broader and shorter because
the air is already warm and moist. The main goal of the nose is to
get air to the lungs as quickly as possible, the study authors
pointed out in the news release.
On average, the maxillary sinuses in the people of European
origin were 36 percent larger than those of African origin, in
faces of roughly the same size. This is because the narrower noses
of Europeans allows more room for maxillary sinuses, the
researchers explained.
"Essentially, by having these sinuses, that's what allows the nose to change its shape, at least in terms of width and independently from other parts of the face," Holton said.
The study was published in the March issue of
The Anatomical Record.
More information
The Nemours Foundation has more about
sinuses and sinus problems.
Health
NewsCopyright © 2013
HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.