ABSTRACT
The anatomy and historical description of the skull and paranasal sinuses are discussed. The evolution of the sinuses and their function in different primate mammals is discussed and comparison is made between these with that of hominins. The various theories of paranasal sinus function which have been proposed over the past 400 years are discussed without any conclusive explanation. A new ‘aquatic’ theory is presented which seems to provide a logical explanation for the anatomy and function of the paranasal sinuses in hominins.
Some of the medical problems affecting the nose and sinuses are explained and the reason why these are unique to man is because of our upright bipedal gait and unique changes in the anatomy of the human nose and throat. The descent of the human larynx has meant that humans have lost the characteristic terrestrial mammal function being an obligatory nasal breather, but it has enabled our unique ability to speak. (154 words)
