Body Systems

The Sinus System

By Shae Brackett, LMT Customer Service & Social Media

The Sinus System
01

Meet The Sinus System

The lining of the nose is similar to the lining of the tubes that lead to the lungs, trachea, and bronchi. The nose, sinuses, and lungs lining is called the respiratory epithelium. Sinuses have mucus and tiny hairs called cilia that work together to keep bacteria and microorganisms out of your body, protecting against infection. Sinuses produce thin mucus that works with the cilia to drain dust, microorganisms, and other pollutants out of the sinuses into the throat, where it’s swallowed and destroyed by stomach acid.

The nose also warms and moistens the air to prepare it for the lungs. This makes the air more optimally used by the body. They also help to lighten the weight of the skull! 

02

Anatomy & Function

The sinuses are interconnected cavities in the skull. These are linked to nasal passages by small channels that allow air to flow from the nose into the sinuses. There are four pairs of sinus cavities. The maxillary sinuses are located under the cheeks behind the cheekbones. The ethmoid sinuses are located between the eyes and ears. The frontal sinuses are located under the forehead. The sphenoid sinuses are located behind the nasal cavity at the base of the brain. 

The maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses are typically one chamber with a single opening, called an ostea, that drains to the nose. The ethmoid sinus is a labyrinth of cells, usually 5-15, each having a separate drainage opening, either into the nose or another ethmoid cell. All the sinuses surround important structures, such as the brain and eyes. They also connect to the ears through the Eustachian tubes, these are the tubes that pop when you yawn! 
01

Meet The Sinus System

The lining of the nose is similar to the lining of the tubes that lead to the lungs, trachea, and bronchi. The nose, sinuses, and lungs lining is called the respiratory epithelium. Sinuses have mucus and tiny hairs called cilia that work together to keep bacteria and microorganisms out of your body, protecting against infection. Sinuses produce thin mucus that works with the cilia to drain dust, microorganisms, and other pollutants out of the sinuses into the throat, where it’s swallowed and destroyed by stomach acid.

The nose also warms and moistens the air to prepare it for the lungs. This makes the air more optimally used by the body. They also help to lighten the weight of the skull! 

02

Anatomy & Function

The sinuses are interconnected cavities in the skull. These are linked to nasal passages by small channels that allow air to flow from the nose into the sinuses. There are four pairs of sinus cavities. The maxillary sinuses are located under the cheeks behind the cheekbones. The ethmoid sinuses are located between the eyes and ears. The frontal sinuses are located under the forehead. The sphenoid sinuses are located behind the nasal cavity at the base of the brain. 

The maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses are typically one chamber with a single opening, called an ostea, that drains to the nose. The ethmoid sinus is a labyrinth of cells, usually 5-15, each having a separate drainage opening, either into the nose or another ethmoid cell. All the sinuses surround important structures, such as the brain and eyes. They also connect to the ears through the Eustachian tubes, these are the tubes that pop when you yawn! 

Supporting Systems and Interactions

The human body is a marvel of interconnected systems, each playing a vital role in maintaining balance, health, and vitality. While we often think of the body's organs and processes in isolation, the truth is that no part functions alone. Every system relies on and influences others in a delicate dance of cooperation.

When one system is compromised, others often compensate or respond, illustrating how deeply intertwined all functions are. The body, then, is not just a collection of parts, but an integrated whole, where every aspect plays a crucial role in maintaining the flow of life, energy, and healing. Understanding this interconnectedness allows us to approach health holistically, nurturing not just individual parts, but the whole person.

I can breathe

Fun & Interesting Facts

  1. Sinuses are hollow cavities around the nose. They are located behind your forehead, nose, cheekbones, and between the eyes.
  2. The primary function of the sinuses is to produce mucus. The mucus is a normal fluid responsible for warming, moistening, and filtering the air in the nasal cavity.
  3. Sinuses play a vital role in the sense of taste.
  4. About 20,000 liters of air are estimated to pass through the nose daily!

What is necessary for the optimal health of this system? 

Achieving and maintaining a balanced, healthy life requires a holistic approach that recognizes the complex interplay between nutrition, lifestyle, the use of herbs and supplements. Each of these elements plays a unique yet interconnected role in supporting the body's intricate systems.

Together, nutrition, lifestyle, and herbal support create a synergistic approach to health. They nurture the body as a whole, and support the body’s natural ability to heal, adapt, and flourish. Understanding the role each of these elements plays allows us to make more informed choices that contribute to lasting well-being.

Supporting Recipe

SinusClear® Immune Mocktail

Did you know that taking your herbs can be a fun and flavorful experience? Instead of swallowing capsules with plain water, why not turn them into a delicious immune-supporting mocktail? While this method won’t work for every supplement (some herbs just aren’t meant to be tasted!), it’s perfect for SinusClear®—a blend designed to support healthy sinuses and immune function.

This SinusClear Immune Mocktail combines the soothing properties of honey, the bright zest of lemon, and the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice, all balanced with a touch of fresh ginger for an extra kick. It’s a refreshing and enjoyable way to support your wellness—cheers to feeling clear and vibrant!

Continue learning & exploring

The Respiratory System

The respiratory system is the organs and other structures in the body that allow us to breathe.

Hypnagogic Breathing

One of the most popular breathing techniques is the 4-7-8 breathing method

Herbal Sinus Steam Recipe

Herbal steams are great tools that help support the immune system and respiratory tract.

SinusClear® Immune Mocktail

Did you know that there are fun ways to take herbs?

The Immune System

The immune system is a complex and dynamic network

The Digestive System

The digestive system is a network of organs that help digest and absorb nutrients from food.

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About The Author

Shae Brackett, our Customer Service Director and Social Media Manager, has been with Ridgecrest since 2016. Shae is a licensed massage therapist, and guides the customer care team, is our culture caretaker, and serves as our creative oracle across social media, blogs, and meditations. She describes herself as creative, thoughtful, nature-loving, compassionate, and nurturing. Her favorite herbs are Ginger and Lavender, and she proudly recommends SereniZen® (formerly Anxiety Free), PhysiQOL™, SinusClear®, and Belly Be Happy®.

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