The nasal cavity is a key component of our sense of taste.
Chewing your food releases aromas that travel from your mouth and throat to the nose.
Our brains incorporate information from both taste and smell receptors to create the many different flavors we experience.
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Vestibule
The most anterior (front) portion of the nasal cavity is called the vestibule.
Respiratory Region
The respiratory region makes up the largest portion of the nasal cavity.
The specialized tissue in this area functions to aid in the respiratory process.
This part of the nasal cavity is lined withciliated pseudo-stratified epitheliumand goblet cells.
Nasal Septum
The nasal septum is the wall in the middle of the nasal respiratory cavity.
It is made up of the septal cartilage, thevomer bone, and the perpendicular plate of theethmoid bone.
Bones
There are 12 bones that contribute to the structure of the nasal cavity.
They are the nasal bone,maxilla,sphenoid, vomer,palatine,lacrimal, and ethmoid bones.
The first four bones listed are paired (two on each side).
The ethmoid bone makes up the largest portion of the nasal cavity.
Turbinates
Inside the nasal cavity are three curved shelves of bone calledturbinatesor nasal conchae.
The space between the turbinates is called the meatus.
The superior turbinate projects from the ethmoid bone and is somewhat separate from the other two turbinates.
Nerves
There are many nerves that are involved in the function of the nasal cavity.
Some of the most notable include theolfactory nerve, nasopalatine nerve,trigeminal nerve, and nasociliary nerve.
The cells in the nerves communicate with the brain to provide your sense of smell.
Blood Vessels
The nasal cavity has a vast and complicated blood supply.
These arteries form connections with each other calledanastomoses.
Anatomical differences may be found in the blood vessels that supply and drain the nasal cavities.
For example, some individuals may be born with nasal veins that join with the sagittal sinus.
Olfaction
Olfaction is the sense of smell.
This occurs in the olfactory region located at the apex of the nasal cavity.
The sense of smell is also necessary for nutrition and is closely linked to our sense of taste.
It also conveys sensations of pleasure.
Respiration
It is necessary for inhaled air to be warmed and humidified before it reaches the lungs.
Rhinitis
Rhinitisis an extremely common condition that most people will experience many times.
Epistaxis
Epistaxis is just a fancy medical term for abloody nose.
The nasal cavity has a vast blood supply and bloody noses are common.
This can also occur as the result of trauma to the nose.
Surgery to repairdeviated septumis very common.
Turbinates can besurgically reduced.
Sometimes the front portion of the nasal cavity can be visualized simply using a light.
Cultures of mucus secretions can be helpful in diagnosing upper respiratory infections.
During the COVID-19 pandemic,testing of nasal cavity swabsfor viral antigens and viral DNA became widespread.
Influenza viral tests may also be done using nasal cavity swabs.
Always talk to a healthcare provider about any symptom that is severe or concerning to you.
Certain health conditions in the nasal cavity may require treatment.
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