title: [The physiological significance of paranasal sinuses in man: speculations for 1800 years].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Pneumologische Abteilung, Medizinische Universitätsklinik Bern.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Glück
mesh_terms: D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D012119:Respiration / Q000502:physiology; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology; D014833:Voice Quality
vernacular_title: Die physiologische Bedeutung der Nasennebenhöhlen beim Menschen: Spekulationen seit 1800 Jahren.