29 Questions
Which structure separates the right and left nasal cavities?
Vomer bone
What forms the floor of the nasal cavity?
Palatine bone
What is the area of the nasal cavity lying just inside the nostril called?
Nasal vestibule
Which bones separate the nasal cavity from the cranial cavity above?
Ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal bones
What is responsible for separating the oral cavity from the nasal cavity below?
Hard palate
Which structure contributes to forming the roof of the nasal cavity?
Cribriform plate of ethmoid bone
What is the primary function of the nose and nasal cavities?
Respiration and olfaction (sense of smell)
Which bones contribute to the structure of the external nose?
Nasal bones and frontal process of maxilla
What cartilages contribute to the structure of the external nose?
Lateral nasal, greater alar, and septal cartilages
What is the posterior boundary of the nasal cavity called?
Posterior nasal apertures or choanae
Which part of the respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange?
Lungs
What is the term used to describe the aerobic breakdown of glucose in mitochondria?
Cellular respiration
What structures make up the nasal septum?
Perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, vomer, and septal cartilage
Which bone provides bony support for the lateral wall of the nasal cavity?
Sphenoid bone
What anatomical structure opens from the nasal cavity to the pterygopalatine fossa?
Sphenopalatine foramen
Which of the following structures completes the lateral wall of the nasal cavity posteriorly?
Medial pterygoid plate
How many air channels does each nasal cavity have?
4
Which structure separates the inferior nasal meatus from the middle nasal meatus?
Middle concha
What is the length of the pharynx?
13-15 cm
Which of the following is NOT one of the three adjoining regions of the pharynx?
Hypopharynx
Which structure is NOT listed as an important landmark for the pharynx?
Trachea
What is the primary function of the skeletal muscles in the pharyngeal walls?
Swallowing
Which of the following statements about the pharynx is NOT true?
It extends from the base of the cranium to the level of C7 vertebra.
What is the function of the nasal conchae?
Increase the surface area of contact between the lateral wall and respired air
Which structure divides each nasal cavity into the olfactory area and respiratory area?
Vomer
Through which openings do the nasal cavities communicate with the nasopharynx?
Choana
What is the arterial supply to the nasal cavity?
Maxillary artery
Which structure anastomoses with the septal branch of the superior labial branch of the facial artery in the region of the vestibule?
Sphenopalatine artery
What is drained by veins that accompany the arteries supplying the nasal cavity?
Submucous venous plexus
Study Notes
Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses
- The nasal cavity extends from the nostrils to the posterior nasal apertures or choanae
- The medial wall of the nasal cavity has a smooth surface, while the lateral wall is uneven due to the presence of nasal conchae
- The nasal conchae increase the surface area of contact between the lateral wall and respired air
- The choana is bordered by the vomer (medially), medial lamina of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone (laterally), horizontal plate of the palatine bone (inferiorly), and body of sphenoid bone (superiorly)
Functional Divisions of the Nose
- Each nasal cavity is divided into an olfactory area (upper 1/3) and a respiratory area (lower 2/3)
- The olfactory region is responsible for olfaction (sense of smell), while the respiratory region is involved in respiration, filtration, and humidification of air
Arteries of the Nose
- The arterial supply to the nasal cavity comes from branches of the maxillary artery
- The most important branch is the sphenopalatine artery, which anastomoses with the septal branch of the superior labial branch of the facial artery in the region of the vestibule
Pharynx
- The pharynx is a tubular organ about 13-15 cm long, extending from the base of the cranium to the level of C6 vertebra
- The pharynx is composed of mucosa, muscles, and connective tissue
- The lumen of the pharynx is divided into three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx
- The pharynx is partitioned into three adjoining regions: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx
Nasopharynx
- The nasopharynx extends from the base of the cranium to the level of the soft palate
- It is part of the upper airway and is involved in respiration
Oropharynx
- The oropharynx extends from the soft palate to the level of the hyoid bone
- It is part of the digestive system and is involved in swallowing
Laryngopharynx
- The laryngopharynx extends from the hyoid bone to the level of the cricoid cartilage
- It is part of the respiratory and digestive systems and is involved in both respiration and swallowing
Test your knowledge on the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and pharynx with this quiz by Paria Shojaolsadati, an assistant professor in human anatomy. Explore the functions and terminology related to the respiratory system.
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