Craniofacial embryology and postnatal development of relevant parts of the upper respiratory system

Objectives: To compare historical and current knowledge relating to the development of the paranasal sinuses, the nose and face, the Eustachian tube and temporal bones, particularly with respect to chronic inflammation during childhood. Methodology: Traditional literature data, mainly emanating from text books, were supplemented with information based on a non-structured PubMed search covering the last two decades. Results: Historical knowledge has most often been confirmed, sometimes supplemented and only rarely challenged by present-day studies. Recent studies focus mainly on the clinical application of modem imaging techniques. Conclusions: Interest in the development of relevant parts of the upper respiratory system remains as lively as ever. Imaging techniques with low or absent radiation exposure may give rise to a novel field of research, especially with respect to paediatric rhinosinusitis.