**Core Concept**
The middle meatus is a critical area in the nasal cavity that receives drainage from the paranasal sinuses. It is the site where the anterior ethmoidal, maxillary, and frontal sinuses drain into the nasal cavity through the semilunar hiatus.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The anterior ethmoidal, maxillary, and frontal sinuses drain into the middle meatus via the semilunar hiatus. This is because the middle meatus is a low-pressure area that allows for the free drainage of these sinuses. The anterior ethmoidal sinuses drain into the middle meatus through the infundibulum, while the maxillary and frontal sinuses drain into the middle meatus through the semilunar hiatus.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The posterior ethmoidal sinuses drain into the superior meatus, not the middle meatus. This is because the superior meatus is a higher-pressure area that allows for the drainage of the posterior ethmoidal sinuses.
**Option B:** The sphenoid sinus drains into the sphenoethmoidal recess, not the middle meatus. This is because the sphenoethmoidal recess is a specific area that allows for the drainage of the sphenoid sinus.
**Option C:** The nasolacrimal duct drains into the inferior meatus, not the middle meatus. This is because the inferior meatus is a lower-pressure area that allows for the drainage of the nasolacrimal duct.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember the acronym "MEMS" to recall the drainage sites of the paranasal sinuses: Maxillary (M), Ethmoidal (E), Frontal (F), and Sphenoid (S).

**Correct Answer: D. Nasolacrimal duct**