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Examining the Anatomy of the Nasal Apparatus including Maxillary Sinus Diversity in Multi‐Regional Populations
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.771.7
Subject(s) - paranasal sinuses , nose , nasal passages , sinus (botany) , anatomy , population , nasal cavity , biology , medicine , pathology , ecology , environmental health , genus
The nose and paranasal sinuses, or nasal complex, provide a vital physiological role during respiration. The maxillary sinus (MS), in particular, aids in the air conditioning process of inspiratory airflow of the nasal complex (Gannon et al, 1997). Though previous studies have shown distinct anatomical differences in skeletal and external soft tissue anatomy of the nasal region, few studies have focused on the morphometrics of the paranasal sinuses. This study examined internal and external nasal parameters (ENP) (i.e., piriform dimensions, MS and endocranial volumes) of four regionally‐distinct human population groups (HPG) in Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. Results show piriform aperture area (PAA) was a poor discriminating variable in discerning population groups. Plotting MS volumes showed statistically significant differences between populations living in cold and hot climatic conditions ( p < 0.05), but only slightly improved the distinguishing capability within these groups. External linear nasal measures displayed the strongest parametric value for discerning differences among these HPG. However, the integration of MS volume and PAA with ENP served as the most powerful means of discriminating between the HPG. Our findings suggest these variables may reflect respiratory adaptations these multiregional HPG underwent in response to climatic conditions encountered during migration.