The uncinate process: a histological and morphological study.

The uncinate process (UP) has become a familiar anatomical landmark to otolaryngologists due to the increasing popularity of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in recent years. This study examines the histological and morphological features of UPs removed from a group of patients undergoing FESS operations for chronic sinusitis. The structure of the UP by light microscopy (LM) is reported. A relatively high proportion of goblet cells and seromucous glands was noted. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) identified four surface cell types on the UP. Furthermore, four categories of surface morphology were noted. The most common appearance was of predominantly ciliated cells. A nonciliated surface ultrastructure is associated with a longer history of sinonasal symptoms and a higher incidence of surgical intervention.