The nasal cavity is a large, air-filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face. The nasal septum divides the cavity into two cavities,[1] also known as fossae.[2] Each cavity is the continuation of one of the two nostrils. The nasal cavity is the uppermost part of the respiratory system and provides the nasal passage for inhaled air from the nostrils to the nasopharynx and rest of the respiratory tract.
The nose is an olfactory and respiratory organ. It consists of nasal skeleton, which houses the nasal cavity. The nasal cavity has four functions:
Warms and humidifies the inspired air.
Removes and traps pathogens and particulate matter from the inspired air.
Responsible for sense of smell.
Drains and clears the paranasal sinuses and lacrimal ducts.
In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the nasal cavity – its divisions, structure and neurovascular supply.
The nose is an olfactory and respiratory organ. It consists of nasal skeleton, which houses the nasal cavity. The nasal cavity has four functions:
Warms and humidifies the inspired air.
Removes and traps pathogens and particulate matter from the inspired air.
Responsible for sense of smell.
Drains and clears the paranasal sinuses and lacrimal ducts.
In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the nasal cavity – its divisions, structure and neurovascular supply.
Divisions
The nasal cavity is the most superior part of the respiratory tract. It extends from the vestibule of the nose to the nasopharynx, and has three divisions:
Vestibule – the area surrounding the anterior external opening to the nasal cavity.
Respiratory region – lined by a ciliated psudeostratified epithelium, interspersed with mucus-secreting goblet cells.
Olfactory region – located at the apex of the nasal cavity. It is lined by olfactory cells with olfactory receptors.
