Introduction: The internal anatomy of the sphenoid sinus plays a role of great importance due to its peculiar placement in the center of the head, surrounded by important adjacent structures, which make themselves transparent in its internal walls. Study design: Anatomic. Material and method: In this study, 52 sphenoid sinus were endoscopically dissected, and the elevations and depressions presented on its internal walls, produced by the internal carotid artery and the optic, maxillary and vidian nerves, were analyzed. Results: In 88,5% of the cases, the internal carotid artery were projected into the sinus, while the optic nerve were in 55,8%. The vidian and maxillary nerves were salient in 25% and 30% respectively. Conclusion: These data point us to the rich end delicate internal anatomy of the sphenoid sinus, which is progressively closer and more vulnerable to surgical maneuvers, due to the advance of surgical skills, techniques and knowledge. Thus, the study and comprehension of the sphenoid sinus internal anatomy became essential, concerning the endoscopic sinus surgery and its huge field of technical resources.
sphenoid sinus; endoscopic sinus surgery; internal carotid artery; maxillary nerve; optic nerve; anatomy
