HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which structure opens into the hiatus semilunaris within the middle meatus?

1. The maxillary sinus

2. The frontal sinus

3. The mandibular foramen

4. The mental foramen

The correct answer is: The frontal sinus

The structure that opens into the hiatus semilunaris within the middle meatus is the frontal sinus. The hiatus semilunaris is an important anatomical feature located in the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, particularly in the middle meatus. It serves as a drainage pathway for various paranasal sinuses. The frontal sinus drains into the middle meatus through the infundibulum, which is connected to the hiatus semilunaris. This anatomical relationship is crucial for proper sinus drainage, as any obstruction can lead to conditions such as sinusitis. Understanding the pathway of drainage for the frontal sinus allows for better insight into sinonasal health and the impact of sinus infections. The maxillary sinus also drains into the middle meatus but does so at a different location, specifically at the ostium of the maxillary sinus, rather than directly into the hiatus semilunaris. The mandibular foramen and the mental foramen are anatomical features related to the mandible and are not connected to the nasal cavity or the sinuses, making them irrelevant in this context.