Histology of nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx

Question 1

What are the two histological portions of the nasal cavity?

Answer 1

Vestibular and respiratory

Question 2

Describe the vestibular nasal cavity.

Answer 2

Partially lined with keratinized stratified squamous epithelium containing hair follicles and goblet cells. This gradually transitions to respiratory epithelium.

Question 3

Describe the respiratory nasal cavity.

Answer 3

Lined with respiratory epithelium with thick underlying basement membrane and lamina propria.

Question 4

Describe the lamina propria of the respiratory nasal cavity.

Answer 4

A thick CT layer which blends with the periosteum. Contains mixed glands and large, thin-walled venous plexus.

Question 5

Describe the epithelium of the olfactory region.

Answer 5

This is a respiratory epithelium without goblet cells.

Question 6

What are the three cell types found in the olfactory region?

Answer 6

Bipolar neurons - convey sense of smell
Basal cells - regenerative cells
Sustentacular cells - supportive cells

Question 7

Describe the subepithelium of the olfactory region.

Answer 7

Contains tubuloalveolar gland of bowman which secrete a serous fluid that traps odorous substances.

Question 8

Describe the epithelium lining the nasopharynx.

Answer 8

The nasal region is lined with respiratory epithelium while the oral region is lined with non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Question 9

Describe the epithelium of the auditory tube.

Answer 9

respiratory epithelium

Question 10

Describe the epithelial lining of the epiglottis.

Answer 10

Anterior surface - non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium which possesses taste buds
Posterior surface - respiratory epithelium

Question 11

Describe the epithelium of the vocal folds

Answer 11

Here the epithelium abruptly changes to non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.