Understanding the Upper Respiratory System

Understanding the Upper Respiratory System

The upper respiratory system is part of our body's respiratory system that includes the nasal cavity, nasal bones, cartilages, vibrissae, and nasal mucosa. It is responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe, as well as providing a sense of smell.

Nasal Cavity

The nasal cavity is a hollow space within the skull, separated into two parts by the nasal septum. It is lined with mucous membranes and has three main openings: the nostrils, the choanae (the opening to the nasopharynx), and the ostia (the opening to the paranasal sinuses).

Nasal Bones

The nasal bones are two small flat bones that form the bony part of the human nose. They are called paranasal bones because they are located in the skull, outside the cranial cavity. The nasal bones are connected by the nasal cartilages and the nasal septum, a thin, bony wall that separates the two nasal passages.

Nasal Cartilages

There are two nasal cartilages in the human body: the anterior nasal cartilages and the posterior nasal cartilages. The anterior nasal cartilages are located above the nasal septum, while the posterior nasal cartilages extend from the lateral nasal wall down into the pharynx.

Vibrissae

Vibrissae, also known as whiskers or tactile hair, are specialized sensory hairs found primarily on animals' faces and paws. In humans, vibrissae can be found in the nose and some people may have them in other areas such as the chin, chest, arms, back, and buttocks. They function as sensory organs by detecting changes in airflow across the face, which helps us sense movement or touch.

Nasal Mucosa

Nasal mucosa refers to the lining within the nasal passages. This tissue is made up of two layers: a superficial layer called the stratified squamous epithelium and a deeper layer called the pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The nasal mucosa serves several functions, including filtering out dust particles and bacteria, secreting mucus, and regulating temperature and humidity.

Explore the anatomy of the upper respiratory system, including the nasal cavity, nasal bones, cartilages, vibrissae, and nasal mucosa. Learn about their functions in filtering, warming, humidifying air, and providing a sense of smell.