Nas

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Nas in Ottawa, 2007

Nas and Damian Marley performing in Wellington Photo By Brady Dyer

Nasal Cavity

The nasal cavity is a large air-filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face. Each nostril has an opening into the nasal cavity, which extends from the external openings to the nasopharynx and is divided by the nasal septum. This cavity is the main airway for the respiratory system, allowing for the inhalation of air, which is then warmed, moistened, and filtered by the mucosa lining the cavity.

Structure

The nasal cavity is divided into two sections: the right and left nostrils, separated by the nasal septum. The walls of the nasal cavity are formed by the maxilla (upper jaw) bone, the palatine bone, and the lacrimal bones. The roof of the nasal cavity is formed by parts of the ethmoid bone and the sphenoid bone, and the floor is the roof of the mouth, formed by the palate, which separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity.

Nasal Septum

The nasal septum is a critical structure that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils. It is composed of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, the vomer bone, and cartilage. The septum can sometimes be deviated, leading to breathing difficulties and other complications.

Turbinates

Inside the nasal cavity, there are structures known as turbinates or nasal conchae. These are long, narrow shelves of bone that protrude into the cavity and are covered by a highly vascular mucous membrane. The turbinates increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, helping to warm and moisten the air as it passes through.

Function

The primary function of the nasal cavity is to process the air that is inhaled through the nose. The air is warmed, moistened, and filtered of particulate matter by the mucous membrane lining the cavity. The nasal cavity also plays a significant role in olfaction (the sense of smell) as it contains the olfactory epithelium located in the upper part of the cavity.

Olfaction

The olfactory region of the nasal cavity contains special sensory cells responsible for detecting odors. When odor molecules bind to these cells, they send signals to the brain, which are interpreted as smells.

Health and Diseases

The nasal cavity can be affected by various health issues, including nasal polyps, sinusitis, and rhinitis. Deviations in the nasal septum can lead to breathing difficulties and are often corrected with surgery.

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that can obstruct the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to breathing difficulties, loss of smell, and frequent infections.

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses, often caused by an infection, leading to symptoms such as facial pain, nasal congestion, and discharge.

Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, congestion, and runny nose. It can be allergic or non-allergic in nature.

See Also

• Respiratory system
• Olfactory system
• Sinus (anatomy)

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