Quantitative histology of the normal ethmoidal sinus.

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Histology
• Rhinology

Background:

• The ethmoidal sinuses are complex air cells within the skull.
• Understanding the cellular composition of ethmoidal sinus mucosa is crucial for diagnosing sinonasal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the density and distribution of glands and goblet cells in normal ethmoidal sinus mucosa.
• To identify the primary source of mucous secretion within the ethmoid.

Main Methods:

• Post-mortem analysis of ethmoidal sinus mucosa from 16 patients.
• Whole-mount histological techniques were employed for detailed study.
• Quantitative assessment of gland and goblet cell density per square millimeter.

Main Results:

• Median gland density was higher in anterior ethmoidal cells (0.5 gland/mm2) than posterior cells (0.13 gland/mm2).
• Gland distribution was irregular, with peak density near the ostia; individual variations were significant.
• Goblet cell density was consistent across anterior and posterior ethmoid (approx. 6,900 cells/mm2).

Conclusions:

• Goblet cells are the main contributors to mucous secretion in the ethmoidal sinuses.
• Glandular tissue is more concentrated in the anterior ethmoid, particularly around the ostia.