Nose and Nasal Cavity Anatomy

Nose and Nasal Cavity

• The nasal cavity is the primary airway, divided into two halves by a septum
• The septum's posterior portion is composed of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and the vomer
• The anterior portion is made of hyaline cartilage
• The roof of the cavity is formed by the cribriform plate (ethmoid bone), sphenoid bone, frontal bone, and nasal bones
• The floor is constructed by the hard palate (maxilla and palatine bones) and the soft palate (muscles)
• The lateral walls are formed by the maxilla, ethmoid bone, and inferior conchae
• The posterior wall is connected to the pharynx
• The lining of the nasal cavity is a ciliated columnar epithelium, containing goblet cells that secrete mucus
• The anterior nares (nostrils) are the external openings into the nasal cavity
• The posterior nares are the internal openings to the pharynx
• The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities within facial and cranial bones; they communicate with the nasal cavity
• Nasal hairs (cilia) located inside the anterior nares trap inhaled dust particles

Lining of the Nasal Cavity

• The lining is a ciliated columnar epithelium containing goblet cells secreting mucus which traps dust, bacteria and other foreign bodies inhaled
• The cilia move mucus and trapped pathogens towards the pharynx
• The nasal cavity connects to the nasopharynx posteriorly
• The respiratory mucosa in the nasal cavities blends with the skin at the anterior nares and the nasal part of the pharynx (nasopharynx) posteriorly

Nasal Cavity Openings

• Anterior nares, or nostrils, are external openings into the nasal cavity
• Posterior nares are the openings from the nasal cavity into the pharynx
• Paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the facial and cranial bones

Explore the intricate structure of the nose and nasal cavity with this quiz. Learn about the various bones, the composition of the septum, and the unique lining of the nasal cavity. Test your knowledge on the connections and features of this essential airway.