The cross-sectional osteology of the midface.
The midface is a complex anatomical region composed of spaces created by a partitioned bony case. Otolaryngologists must thoroughly understand the organization of this region and be able to relate its structure to both pathological processes and surgical therapy. This study examines serial cross-sections of clear polyester-embedded skulls. The midfacial skeleton is resolved into a series of geometric shapes: the pentahedral orbit resting on the tetrahedral maxillary sinus, the wedge-shaped ethmoid pyramid occupying the upper outer quadrant of the v-roofed naso-ethmoid box which is related anteriorly to the folded-disk frontal sinuses and external nasal wedge, and posteriorly to the sphenoid box and triangular pterygopalatine fossa wedge. We show that the weakest region of the fovea ethmoidalis is the lateral wall of the olfactory groove, and we examine the co-planar relationship of the medial maxillary and orbital walls.
Bryce
G E
GE
Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Woodham
J D
JD
D005147:Facial Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic