Ethmoid anatomy

This illustration presents an anatomical overview of the ethmoid bone and its surgically relevant landmarks within the nasal cavity and medial orbital wall. The ethmoid is a delicate and highly complex structure whose thin bony partitions and proximity to the orbit and anterior cranial fossa make it a critical area in endoscopic sinus surgery.

The piece highlights key structures including the crista galli, cribriform plate, ethmoidal foramina, lamina papyracea, ethmoidal air cells, nasal conchae, uncinate process, ethmoidal bulla, and the ethmoidal infundibulum. Each landmark is identified with annotations explaining its anatomical role and clinical relevance during surgical procedures.

The illustration was constructed using CT imaging data combined with observational anatomical references. Digital painting and compositing were performed in Adobe Photoshop to emphasise spatial relationships between structures while maintaining anatomical accuracy. The visual approach prioritises clarity of form, subtle value separation, and restrained colour use to guide attention to critical surgical landmarks.

This piece was developed as part of a broader series focused on anatomical structures relevant to sinus surgery and skull base procedures.