The physiological significance of paranasal sinuses in man: speculations for 1800 years
Glück, U.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift 121(25): 925-931
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7672 PMID: 1862306 Document Number: 386349
The function of the paranasal sinuses has been a controversial subject since the time of Galen (130-201 AD). A review of the literature reveals quite different beliefs about their biological purpose, and eight hypotheses have received particular attention: 1) They lighten the bones of the skull; 2) improve the resonance of the voice; 3) humidify and warm inspired air; 4) increase the area of the olfactory membrane; 5) serve as shock absorbers in mechanical impacts; 6) act as thermal insulators of the brain; 7) promote facial growth and architecture; and 8) persist as evolutionary relics or faults. Scrutiny of these hypotheses shows that none has a scientific basis.