Email this article Anatomical characteristics of the labyrinth and cock crest of the human ethmoid bone in the first period of mature age according to computer tomography data
- Authors: Murtazina N.I.1, Lutsay E.D.1, Anikin M.I.1, Uryashev I.R.1
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Affiliations:
- Orenburg State Medical University
- Issue: Vol 11, No 2 (2026)
- Pages: 86-90
- Section: Human Anatomy
- Published: 21.03.2026
- URL: https://innoscience.ru/2500-1388/article/view/686455
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.35693/SIM686455
- ID: 686455
Cite item
Abstract
Aim: to provide an anatomical description of the labyrinth and cock crest of the ethmoid bone in humans in the first period of adulthood based on computed tomography data.
Material and methods. The object of the study was 60 computed tomograms of the skull of people in the first period of mature age (22-35 years old - men, 21-35 years old - women), of different sexes, without pathology of the paranasal sinuses.
Results. In the first period of mature age, the value of the anteroposterior size of the labyrinth of the ethmoid bone on the right was 36.39±4.25 mm, on the left, 36.04±4.44 mm, with a range of values from 28.30 to 46.61 mm. The anteroposterior size of the ethmoid labyrinth on the right and left was 1.4 times greater than the height and 3 times greater than the width. The height of the ethmoid labyrinth in females on the right and left was 26.72±3.29 mm and 27.32±3.39 mm, respectively, and was significantly greater than this indicator in males. The height and anteroposterior size of the cock crest in the studied group were equal, amounting to 13.98±3.76 mm and 13.39±2.63 mm, respectively, and were 3 times greater than its width. In 25%, a pneumatized middle nasal concha was observed, and in 21%, a pneumatized cock crest.
Conclusion. The anatomical characteristics of the ethmoid bone, as an element of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, internal base of the skull, and orbit, are of great importance for choosing the optimal surgical approach, in particular in endoscopic endonasal intervention.
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INTRODUCTION
The ethmoid bone is one of the cerebral cranium bones. It is involved in the formation of the topographically important areas of the cranium: anterior cranial fossa, nasal cavity and the eye socket. Therefore, it is one of the surgical access pathways for ophthalmologists, otorhinolaryngologists, neural and maxillofacial surgeons. At the same time, the pathologies necessitating surgical treatment are rather frequent.
The defects of the ‘roof’ of the ethmoidal labyrinth occur in 27–30% of the cases. They are accompanied with liquorrhea nasalis, pneumocephalus, may be complicated with meningitis and lead to a fatal outcome. According to E.V. Shelesko [1, 2], in 70% cases spontaneous defects of the ‘roof’ of the ethmoidal labyrinth are found, in 23%, traumatic defects, and in 7%, iatrogenic defects.
In the ophthalmologic practice, subcutaneous emphysema of the eyelid often stems from damages of the orbital plate of the ethmoid bone, less frequently, damage of the orbital wall in the area of the frontal sinus or behind the lacrimal sac [3]. The incidence of emphysema of the eyelid in patients after dacryocystorhinostomy for chronic dacryocystitis is 1% (22 cases out of 2011).
A type of benign tumors of the paranasal sinuses that require surgical treatment is the osteoma. In the frontal sinuses, the osteoma is localized in 52–80% cases, while in 15–22% it is found in the ethmoid labyrinth [4–6].
Study of the specifics of the anatomic and sexual variation, study of variant anatomy of the ethmoid bone, including applied aspects thereof, are included in the profile of the specialization 3.3.1. “Anatomy and anthropology” (medical sciences). There are works on the anatomy of the ethmoid bone for various cranial types. A relationship has been established between the morphology of the ethmoid labyrinth cells and their spatial arrangement, on the one hand, and the shape of the cranial base and the facial skeleton, on the other. This should be taken into account when planning endonasal surgical interventions [7]. The work of I.V. Gayvoronsky [8] focuses on the age anatomy of the ethmoid bone in children aged 1 to 21 and established a significant increase in the size of the ethmoid bone in the age group of 13–16 years.
The complex topographic location of the ethmoid bone within the skull makes it difficult to study using classical anatomical methods. Computed tomography allows for the assessment of the structure of the cribriform plate, the crista galli, the configuration and depth of the olfactory fossae, the structures of the ostiomeatal complex, the relationship between the ethmoid cells and the nasal turbinates and nasal cavity, and also enables morphometric analysis of these structures [9, 10].
AIM
To provide an anatomical description of the labyrinth and cock crest of the ethmoid bone in humans in the first period of adulthood based on computed tomography data.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The object of the study were 60 CT scans of the cranium of individuals of the first period of mature age (men of 22–35, women of 21–35 years old) and both sexes (30 men, 30 women). The sampling was random and representative. The patients underwent computed tomography due to suspected pathology of the brain.
The study excluded individuals with CT signs of pathological process in paranasal sinuses, or history of injury or surgery on paranasal sinuses (data confirmed by medical documents).
The study was performed using a Toshiba Aquilion LB 16 (Canon, Japan) multislice computed tomography scanner with multiplanar reconstruction (axial, coronal, and sagittal projections) and a slice thickness of 0.5 mm. Technical parameters of the CT scanner: tube voltage: 130 kV, tube current: 130 mA, collimation: 0.7 mm.
The cranial Ct scans were used to measure the height, width, anteroposterior dimension of the ethmoid labyrinth on the right and on the left. The height of the ethmoid labyrinth was measured as the distance from the anterior edge of the cribriform plate to the lower edge of the middle nasal concha on the right and left sides. The width of the ethmoid labyrinth was measured as the distance from the most distant point of the orbital plate of the ethmoid labyrinth to the medial edge of the middle nasal concha on the right and left sides. The anteroposterior dimension of the ethmoid labyrinth was defined as the length of the middle nasal concha along its attachment on the right and left sides [8]. Linear parameters of the crista galli were studied: its width was measured on coronal CT scans, while its height and anteroposterior dimension at the base were measured on sagittal scans.
Statistical data processing was performed using Statistica 6.0 software on a personal computer. Initially, the distribution pattern of the quantitative variables was assessed by constructing distribution histograms and calculating the Shapiro–Wilk test. The quantitative data were found to follow a normal distribution; therefore, the arithmetic mean (X) was calculated to describe central tendency, and the standard deviation (Sx) was used to describe variability. The data are presented as “X ± Sx”.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The labyrinth of the ethmoid bone has a complex structure. In the axial CT scans, the ethmoid labyrinth is represented with cells separated by thin bone plates (Fig. 1). The shapes of the cells vary from slit to oval and multifaceted. The number of cells varies from 8 to 16, and on CT scans, they are positioned in several rows.
Figure 1. Computer tomogram of the skull, axial projection. Labyrinth of the ethmoid bone. Gender: male, age: 22 years.
Рисунок 1. Компьютерная томограмма черепа, аксиальная проекция. Лабиринт решетчатой кости. Пол мужской, возраст 22 года.
The morphometry of the height and width of the ethmoid labyrinth is analyzed on the CTs in the coronary projection (Fig. 2, 3). In the first period of mature age, the height of the ethmoid labyrinth on the right was 25.82±3.19 mm, on the left, 26.18±3.42 mm with the widest range of values on the left from 16.60 to 35.10 mm. No significant bilateral difference in the values of the height of the ethmoid labyrinth was found. The value of the width of the ethmoid labyrinth from the right and left were comparable at 11.87±1.47 mm and 11.90±1.81 mm, respectively (with the range of values of 7.7–16.9 mm). The anteroposterior dimensions of the ethmoid bone on the right were 36.39±4.25 mm, on the left, 36.04±4.44 mm (range: 28.30 to 46.61 mm). The anteroposterior dimensions of the ethmoid labyrinth on the right and left were 1.4 times higher than the height and 3 times higher than the width.
Figure 2. Computer tomography of the skull, coronal projection. Determination of the height of the ethmoid labyrinth. Gender: male, age: 33 years.
Рисунок 2. Компьютерная томограмма черепа, коронарная проекция. Определение высоты решетчатого лабиринта. Пол мужской, возраст 33 года.
Figure 3. Computer tomography of the skull, coronal projection. Determination of the width of the ethmoid labyrinth. Gender: male, age: 33 years.
Рисунок 3. Компьютерная томограмма черепа, коронарная проекция. Определение ширины решетчатого лабиринта. Пол мужской, возраст 33 года.
The dimensions of the ethmoid labyrinth were analyzed depending on the sex. As follows from Table 1, there are significant differences in the height of the ethmoid labyrinth. The height of the labyrinth of the ethmoid bone was higher in women: on the right, 26.72±3.29 mm, on the left, 27.32±3.39 mm (range: 19.40 to 35.10 mm). This aligns with the data of O.V. Mareev [11]. In the age group of 18–65 years, the height of the ethmoid labyrinth is also higher in women at 28.5±1.3 mm, while in men this parameter was 25.7±0.6 mm. The anteroposterior dimensions of the labyrinth of the ethmoid bone were higher in women: on the right, 36.76±4.37 mm, on the left, 36.50±3.99 mm (range: 28.30 to 43.61 mm). The width of the ethmoid labyrinth in the first mature age period was greater in men: on the right, 12.25±1.71 mm, on the left, 12.28±2.02 mm.
Value | Total (n=60) | Men (n=30) | Women (n=30) |
Ethmoid labyrinth on the right | |||
Height | 25.82±3.19 | 24.71±2.60* | 26.72±3.29* |
Width | 11.87±1.47 | 12.25±1.71 | 11.56±1.20 |
Anteroposterior dimensions | 36.39±4.25 | 35.93±4.19 | 36.76±4.37 |
Ethmoid labyrinth on the left | |||
Height | 26.18±3.42 | 24.77±2.98* | 27.32±3.39* |
Width | 11.90±1.81 | 12.28±2.02 | 11.59±1.59 |
Anteroposterior dimensions | 36.04±4.44 | 35.47±5.00 | 36.50±3.99 |
Note:* significant differences at p < 0.05.
Примечания: * – достоверные различия при p < 0,05.
Table 1. Dimensions of the labyrinth of the ethmoid bone in humans in the first period of adulthood, mm
Таблица 1. Размеры лабиринта решетчатой кости человека в первом периоде зрелого возраста, мм
In men, the value of the anteroposterior dimensions of the ethmoid labyrinth on the right and left were 1.4 times higher than the height and 2.9 times higher than the width. In women, the value of the anteroposterior dimensions of the ethmoid labyrinth on the right and left were 1.3 times higher than the height and 3.1 times higher than the width.
The analysis of coronal projection CTs of the cranium revealed that the pneumatized middle nasal concha was found in 25% cases. In 93% cases, middle nasal conchae were simultaneously pneumatized bilaterally (Fig. 4). The incidence rate of the pneumatized middle nasal concha in men was 27%, in women, 23% (Fig. 5).
Figure 4. Computer tomography of the skull, coronal projection. Pneumatized middle nasal concha (yellow stars). Gender: male, age: 29 years.
Рисунок 4. Компьютерная томограмма черепа, коронарная проекция. Пневматизированные средние носовые раковины (желтые звездочки). Пол мужской, возраст 29 лет.
Figure 5. Frequency of occurrence of pneumatization of the middle nasal concha in individuals in the first period of mature age, %.
Рисунок 5. Частота встречаемости пневматизации средних носовых раковин у лиц первого периода зрелого возраста, %.
The crista galli is located along the midline above the cribriform plates and represents a continuation of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone. Its anterior end is short and thickened, articulating with the frontal bone by means of two small wings, thereby closing the foramen cecum. The falx cerebri attaches to the curved posterior end of the crista galli.
CT scans allow morphometry of parameters of the crista galli. It is seen from Table 2 that the height and the anteroposterior dimensions of the crista galli at the base are the same: 13.98±3.76 mm and 13.39±2.63 mm, respectively. According to the study of O.Yu. Aleshkina [12], in the age group of 22–60 years, the anteroposterior dimensions of the crista galli are 3.5 mm greater than its height at 17.8±0.2 mm. The width of the crista galli in the first mature age period was 4.51±1.10 mm (greater than the values obtained in the study of O.Yu. Aleshkina: 3.8±0.2 mm). The height and the anteroposterior dimension of the crista galli in the study group was 3 times greater than its width.
Value | Total (n=60) | Men (n=30) | Women (n=30) |
Height of the crista galli | |||
X±Sx | 13.98±3.76 | 14.92±3.44 | 13.21±3.92 |
Min | 6.31 | 6.31 | 6.80 |
Max | 24.50 | 22.10 | 24.50 |
Width of the crista galli | |||
X±Sx | 4.51±1.10 | 4.40±1.32 | 4.60±0.91 |
Min | 2.60 | 2.60 | 3.20 |
Max | 7.31 | 7.31 | 6.31 |
Anteroposterior dimension of the crista galli at the base | |||
X±Sx | 13.39±2.63 | 14.71±2.57* | 12.32±2.21* |
Min | 8.71 | 10.51 | 8.71 |
Max | 19.00 | 19.00 | 17.60 |
Note:* significant differences at p < 0.05.
Примечания: * – достоверные различия при p < 0,05.
Table 2. Dimensions of the human crista galli in the first period of adulthood, mm
Таблица 2. Размеры петушиного гребня человека в первом периоде зрелого возраста, мм
The analysis of the dimensions of the crista galli depending on the sex revealed that its height and anteroposterior dimensions were greater in men. The height of the crista galli in men was 14.92±3.44 mm, while the greatest variations in its height were found in women: from 6.80 to 24.50 mm. Significant differences in the values of the anteroposterior dimensions were found, with the value being greater in men. The width of the crista galli in women was 4.60±0.91 mm (range: 3.20 to 6.31 mm). The values of the height and anteroposterior dimensions of the crista galli in men were 3.3 times greater than its width. The height of the crista galli in women was 2.8 times greater than its width, and 2.6 times greater than the anteroposterior dimensions.
Pneumatization of the crista galli in the first period of the mature age was 22% (Fig. 6). The incidence rate of pneumatization of the crista galli in women was 77%, in men, 23% (33% of the total number of women, 10% of the total number of men). According to the study of I.V. Gaivoronsky [8], pneumatization of the crista galli is more often seen in children aged 8–12 years (82.4%).
Figure 6. Computer tomography of the skull, coronal projection. Pneumatized crista galli. Gender: male, age: 31 years.
Рисунок 6. Компьютерная томография черепа, коронарная проекция. Пневматизированный петушиный гребень. Пол мужской, возраст 31 год.
CONCLUSION
Morphometric analysis of the ethmoidal labyrinth in the entire study group revealed no bilateral differences between the right and left sides. Significant differences in ethmoidal labyrinth height were found depending on sex, with greater labyrinth height observed in women.
Quantitative analysis of the crista galli showed comparable values for its height and anteroposterior dimension at the base. Significant sex-related differences were found for the anteroposterior dimension at the base of the crista galli, with greater values in males. The frequency of pneumatization of the crista galli in the study group was 22%.
Thus, the anatomical characterization of the ethmoid bone as a component of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, internal skull base, and orbit is of crucial importance for selecting the optimal surgical approach, particularly in endoscopic endonasal interventions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | ДОПОЛНИТЕЛЬНАЯ ИНФОРМАЦИЯ |
Study funding. The study was the authors’ initiative without external funding. | Источник финансирования. Работа выполнена по инициативе авторов без привлечения финансирования. |
Conflict of interest. The authors declare that there are no obvious or potential conflicts of interest associated with the content of this article. | Конфликт интересов. Авторы декларируют отсутствие явных и потенциальных конфликтов интересов, связанных с содержанием настоящей статьи. |
Contribution of individual authors. Murtazina N.I., Uryashev I.R.: scientific data collection, systematization and analysis, writing of the manuscript. Lutsai E.D.: study concept. Anikin M.I.: editing of the text. The authors gave their final approval of the manuscript for submission, and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work, implying proper study and resolution of issues related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work. | Участие авторов. Муртазина Н.И., Уряшев И.Р.: сбор и обработка научного материала, написание текста. Луцай Е.Д.: разработка концепции исследования. Аникин М.И.: редактирование текста. Все авторы одобрили финальную версию статьи перед публикацией, выразили согласие нести ответственность за все аспекты работы, подразумевающую надлежащее изучение и решение вопросов, связанных с точностью или добросовестностью любой части работы. |
Statement of originality. No previously published material (text, images, or data) was used in this work. | Оригинальность. При создании настоящей работы авторы не использовали ранее опубликованные сведения (текст, иллюстрации, данные). |
Data availability statement. The editorial policy regarding data sharing does not apply to this work. | Доступ к данным. Редакционная политика в отношении совместного использования данных к настоящей работе не применима. |
Generative AI. No generative artificial intelligence technologies were used to prepare this article. | Генеративный искусственный интеллект. При создании настоящей статьи технологии генеративного искусственного интеллекта не использовали. |
Provenance and peer review. This paper was submitted unsolicited and reviewed following the standard procedure. The peer review process involved 2 external reviewers. | Рассмотрение и рецензирование. Настоящая работа подана в журнал в инициативном порядке и рассмотрена по обычной процедуре. В рецензировании участвовали 2 внешних рецензента. |
About the authors
Nuriya I. Murtazina
Orenburg State Medical University
Author for correspondence.
Email: N.I.Murtazina@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7898-5511
MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine), Associate professor of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology.
Russian Federation, OrenburgElena D. Lutsay
Orenburg State Medical University
Email: elut@list.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7401-6502
MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor of the Department of Human Anatomy.
Russian Federation, OrenburgMaksim I. Anikin
Orenburg State Medical University
Email: m.anikin@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1900-3039
MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine), Associate professor, Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology.
Russian Federation, OrenburgIldar R. Uryashev
Orenburg State Medical University
Email: ildar_0404@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0003-4776-8076
5th year student of the pediatric faculty.
Russian Federation, OrenburgReferences
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Supplementary files
СМИ зарегистрировано Федеральной службой по надзору в сфере связи, информационных технологий и массовых коммуникаций (Роскомнадзор).