What Are Paranasal Sinuses?
The paranasal sinuses are spaces within the bones of the skull and face, which are filled with air. These open spaces serve the purpose of warming and humidifying the air we breathe, as well as giving resonance to the voice. They also decrease the weight of the skull, which would be significantly heavier without these open spaces. The cells that line the sinuses also produce a mucus that traps inhaled pathogens and keeps the inside of the nose from drying out. Humans have several paranasal sinuses, located in various places around the eyes and nose.
