The nurse is reviewing the development of the newborn infant. Regarding the sinuses, which statement is true in relation to a newborn infant?

A) Sphenoid sinuses are full size at birth.
B) Maxillary sinuses reach full size after puberty.
C) Frontal sinuses are fairly well developed at birth.
D) Maxillary and ethmoid sinuses are the only sinuses present at birth.

Only the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses are present at birth. The sphenoid sinuses are minute at birth and develop after puberty. The frontal sinuses are absent at birth, are fairly well developed at age 7 to 8 years, and reach full size after puberty. The sphenoid sinuses are minute at birth and develop after puberty. The frontal sinuses are absent at birth, are fairly well developed at age 7 to 8 years, and reach full size after puberty. Only the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses are present at birth but the maxillary sinus does not reach full size until all permanent teeth have erupted (not after puberty).