The blood supply is provided by branches of the '''sphenopalatine artery'''.
The blood supply is provided by branches of the '''sphenopalatine artery'''.
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This is the largest sinus and is divided into rostral and caudal compartments by a bony septum. The position of this septum is variable, but it usually lies obliquely across the roots of the 4th and 5th cheeck teeth (Tridan 109, 110, 209, 210). In horses less than 5 years of age, the reserve crown of the 3rd-6th cheek teeth (Tridan 108, 208, 109-111, 209-211) almost fills the maxillary sinus.
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The rostral maxillary sinus opens via the '''nasomaxillary opening''' into the '''middle nasal meatus'''. There is also a communication between the rostral maxillary sinus and the ventral conchal sinus, via the '''conchomaxillary opening'''; located just medial to the infraorbital canal. Dorsally, there is communication with the frontal/conchofrontal sinus through the '''frontomaxillary''' opening. Between the rostral margin of the frontomaxillary opening and the conchal bulla, there is a passageway which connects the rostral and caudal compartments. This allows the caudal maxillary sinus to drain via the rostral maxillary sinus via the nasomaxillary opening into the middle nasal meatus.