Where does the maxillary sinus drain within the nasal cavity?

The maxillary sinus drains into the middle meatus of the nasal cavity. This is significant because the middle meatus is the area into which several important sinuses, including the frontal and anterior ethmoidal sinuses, also drain. The drainage occurs via the maxillary ostium, located in the superomedial aspect of the maxillary sinus, which opens into the middle meatus.

Understanding this drainage pathway is crucial for recognizing how sinus infections can develop, particularly in the maxillary sinus, as blockages or inflammation can lead to fluid accumulation and subsequent infection. Proper drainage is essential for the health of the sinus and its ability to ventilate and function normally. This anatomical knowledge is vital for oral and maxillofacial surgeons, particularly when performing procedures that may involve the sinus cavity.