Quiz on Foramina and Nerves in the Nasal Cavity

Respiratory System Functions

• The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange, but it is not responsible for absorbing nutrients.

Respiratory Tract

• The part of the respiratory tract responsible for gas exchange is the alveoli.

Paranasal Sinuses

• The main function of the paranasal sinuses is to warm, humidify, and filter the air we breathe.

Blood Supply

• The Sphenopalatine foramen is supplied by the Sphenopalatine artery.

Sinusitis

• The maxillary sinus is particularly prone to sinusitis.

Innervation

• The Nasociliary nerve is innervated by the Ophthalmic branch of the Trigeminal nerve.

Nasal Cavity

• The nasal cavity is divided into two parts: the nasal vestibule and the nasal cavity proper.
• The nasal cavity warms, humidifies, and filters the air we breathe.

Nasal Hair (Vibrissae)

• The function of nasal hair (vibrissae) is to filter the air we breathe.

Olfaction

• The cranial nerve responsible for the sense of smell is the Olfactory nerve (Cranial Nerve I).
• The Olfactory nerve supplies special sensory innervation to the olfactory epithelium in the superior portion of the nasal cavity.

Innervation of the Nasal Cavity

• The Anterior Ethmoidal nerve supplies somatic sensory innervation to the anterior superior portion of the nasal cavity.
• The Posterior Ethmoidal nerve supplies somatic sensory innervation to the postero-inferior portion of the nasal cavity.

Waldeyer's Ring

• The most superior portion of Waldeyer's ring is composed of the Nasopharyngeal tonsil.

Tonsils

• The Nasopharyngeal tonsil is commonly referred to as the adenoid.

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

• The common name for the nasopharyngeal carcinoma is "cancer of the nose".

Upper Airway Obstruction

• Stridor is a symptom of upper airway obstruction.

Clinical Features

• A 'ruddy' complexion may indicate serious pathology, such as Polycythemia.
• Horner's syndrome is characterized by a constricted pupil, drooping eyelid, and anhidrosis.

Respiratory Examination

• The first step in the respiratory examination process is to inspect the patient's overall appearance.
• The general inspection in respiratory examination includes observing the patient's posture, breathing pattern, and use of accessory muscles.
• The technique used to assess the position of the trachea during palpation of the neck and chest is tracheal palpation.
• A tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency that presents with severe symptoms/signs of respiratory distress.

Percussion

• A dull percussion note is associated with pleural effusion or haemothorax.

Vocal Resonance

• The technique used to assess vocal resonance during a respiratory examination is vocal fremitus.
• Increased vocal resonance can indicate consolidation or pleural effusion.
• Decreased vocal resonance can indicate pneumothorax or pleural effusion.
• Vocal resonance can be used to detect signs of respiratory pathology, such as consolidation or pleural effusion.
• The purpose of comparing vocal resonance on both sides of the chest during a respiratory examination is to detect any asymmetry.
• The recommended technique for assessing vocal resonance during a respiratory examination is to ask the patient to say "99" repeatedly.