I feel good that there are sinus cavities in my head, now that they are inflamed. But do these things also have a real function?

Asker: Anne, 44 years old

Answer

Best,

Sinus cavities also occur in other mammals (among others). Several functions are considered:
– reduce the relative weight of the skull bones in the face
– insulation of tooth roots and eyes against rapid temperature fluctuations
– moistening and warming the inhaled air before it goes to the lungs
The sinuses run in such a way that the evacuation of mucus is made difficult when walking upright.
Possibly sinusitis is therefore typical for humans, and is less common in four-legged friends.

Answered by

prof. Dr. Luke Bouwens

Biomedical Sciences

I feel good that there are sinus cavities in my head, now that they are inflamed.  But do these things also have a real function?

Free University of Brussels
Pleinlaan 2 1050 Ixelles
http://www.vub.ac.be/

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