Lesson 7 - Part 2

Question 1

Describe the nasal cavity

Answer 1

1. The nasal cavity is the inner space of the nose.
2. It communicates with the exterior by two nares.
3. The nares are separated by the midline nasal septum, which consists of both bone and cartilage.
4. The nasal septum also divides the internal nasal cavity into two parts.
5. Each lateral wall of the nasal cavity has three projecting structures, or nasal conchae, which extend inward.
6. Beneath each concha are openings through which the paranasal sinuses or nasolacrimal ducts communicate with the nasal cavity.

Question 2

Describe the paranasal sinuses

Answer 2

The paranasal sinuses are paired air‑filled cavities in bone that include the frontal, sphenoidal, ethmoidal, and maxillary sinuses.

Question 3

Describe the development of the paranasal sinuses

Answer 3

1. Certain sinuses develop during late fetal life; the rest develop after birth.
2. They form as outgrowths of the wall of the nasal cavity and become air‑filled extensions in the adjacent bones.
3. The original openings of the outgrowths persist as orifices of the adult sinuses.

Question 4

Describe Sinusitis

Answer 4

1. The respiratory mucosa of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses can become inflamed and the space congested with mucus as a result of allergies or respiratory tract infection.
2. This inflammation can lead to a stuffed‑up feeling in the nasal cavity and sinusitis in the sinus.
3. Because the maxillary posterior teeth are in close proximity to the maxillary sinus, maxillary sinusitis can sometimes result as infection spreads from a periapical abscess associated with a maxillary posterior tooth.

Question 5

Describe a sinus headache

Answer 5

A sinus headache is a headache that occurs because your sinuses are swollen closed, congested with mucus, or infected.