Knowra Nasal cavity Nasal cavity The hollow space inside the nose through which inhaled air passes. Its lining filters, warms, and humidifies air and contains the sensory tissue for smell.
Nasal conchae : Curved bony shelves in the nasal cavity that increase surface area and shape airflow. They create turbulent airflow that improves contact with the cavity’s moist, warming lining.
Nasal septum : A partition of cartilage and bone that separates the left and right nasal passages. It forms the central wall dividing the nasal cavity into two sides.
Rhinitis : Inflammation of the nasal lining that commonly causes congestion, sneezing, and discharge. Inflammation of the cavity’s mucosa produces familiar nasal symptoms.
Oral cavity : The space inside the mouth, bounded by the lips, cheeks, palate, and floor of the mouth. It provides an alternate route for breathing but lacks the nose’s specialized air conditioning.
Nasal mucosa : The moist membrane lining the nasal cavity, containing mucus-secreting cells, blood vessels, and immune defenses. Its mucus traps particles while its blood supply warms inhaled air.
Nasal vestibule : The entrance region of the nasal cavity, lined partly by skin and bearing coarse hairs. It is the cavity’s frontmost section, where larger particles are first filtered.
Nasal polyps : Noncancerous growths arising from inflamed nasal or sinus mucosa. Large polyps can obstruct airflow through the nasal cavity.
Mouth breathing : Breathing primarily through the mouth rather than the nose. It bypasses much of the nasal cavity’s filtration, warming, and humidification.
Mucociliary clearance : The transport of mucus and trapped material by coordinated beating of airway cilia. Cilia move particles caught in nasal mucus toward the throat for removal.
Choanae : The paired posterior openings connecting the nasal cavity to the nasopharynx. They mark the passage through which nasal airflow enters the throat.
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