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Received Jan 26, 2018; Accepted Apr 8, 2018
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1. Introduction
Changes in craniofacial morphology observed during the evolution of Hominidae are an important factor that influences the maxillary sinus morphology [1]. The close relation between external cranial dimensions and maxillary sinus volume has been shown in Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) [2]. Similar correlation, between head circumference and at least two dimensions of maxillary sinus (i.e., vertical and transverse), has been found in the prenatal development of humans [3].
The enlargement of the maxillary sinus is determined by bone remodeling [4, 5]. This process follows resorption of internal walls (except for medial wall) to the extent, minimally exceeding the growth of maxilla. The bone is deposited within the medial wall of the nasal cavity, while simultaneously the lateral wall undergoes resorption. During development, the growth of maxillary sinus jest closely related to the body of the maxilla [6]. In the later period, pneumatisation exceeds the adjacent bones; thus maxillary sinus enlarges at the expense of maxillary processes.
Maxillary sinus pneumatisation is influenced by many factors, that is, teeth development and eruption, maxillary alveolar process pneumatisation, the function of masticatory apparatus, and growth of viscerocranium [7]. Although the presence or absence of maxillary sinus is not dependent on dental morphology [8], the expansion of maxillary sinus can be inhibited by developing permanent teeth [7]. It has been shown that the volume of the maxillary sinus is significantly correlated with environmental factors [9]. Koppe et al. [7] studied the correlation between the depth of maxillary sinus floor and femur head diameter and concluded that maxillary sinus pneumatisation is correlated with the stature. Previously, it has been thought that in Primates the facial dimensions are not correlated with any other body parameters [10].
Tissue morphogenesis of the craniofacial skeleton requires the coordination of a variety of cellular functions to develop complex structures [11]. The process depends on genetic and environmental factors, and any failure or delay in midfacial development may lead to abnormal growth of the orofacial skeleton [12, 13]. During development, skeletal elements of neurocranium and viscerocranium are...