Nasal Cavity

Question 1

What is the function of the nose

-describe its structure

Answer 1

External nose => protrudes from face

-cartilage frame anteriorly/connective tissue posteriorly covered by skin that extends into nasal opening

Question 2

What are the borders of the nasal cavity

-floor

Answer 2

Floor => palatine bone (separates oral cavity from nasal cavity)

Roof => cribriform plate (separates cranial cavity from nasal cavity)

Lateral walls => inf nasal concha, ethmoid

Cavities separated by nasal septum (cartilage and vomer)

Anterior communication => external nose
Posterior communication => nasopharynx

Wall lined by mucosal layer

Question 3

What is the function of the nasal cavity

Answer 3

Concha cause turbulent airflow

• warm air
• propel dust and bacteria towards mucus

Paranasal sinuses drain into nasal cavity

• mucus secreted moistens air
• maxillary, nasal, ethmoid, sphenoid, nasolacrimal, auditory tube

Question 4

Describe the veins, arteries, nerves that supply the nasal cavity

Answer 4

Arteries => opthalmic (from ICA), maxillary (from ECA), facial (from ECA)

Veins => opthalmic, sphenopalatine (to maxillary), facial => pterygoid plexus, facial vein, cavernous sinus

Nerves

• anteriosuperior => opthalmic
• posterioinferior => maxillary