Session 8: Group Work

Question 1

What physical features of the nasal cavity allow for slowing of inspired air?
Why might it be helpful to slow the flow of inspired air?

Answer 1

Conchae (3) and Meatuses (3).
They cause turbulence
This allows air to be humidified and heated up.

Question 2

Which sinus is the most commonly affected sinus in sinusitis? Explain why this sinus is most commonly involved and what symptoms and signs a patient would likely present with.

Answer 2

Maxillary sinus

Pain in area of sinus
Pain on leaning forwards
Drowsiness
Tenderness

It is because it is high up in the nasal cavity. Oppose gravity.

Question 3

Why might a patient with maxillary sinusitis complain of toothache?

Answer 3

Because the roots of the superior teeth can project into the maxillary sinus.
Also referred pain from the alveolar nerve and infraorbital nerve which are branches from the trigeminal nerve.

Question 4

What injury of the skull, not relating directly to the face or scalp could explain periorbital bruising?

Answer 4

Basilar skull fracture

Question 5

Explain why this sign occurs with the injury you have described.

Answer 5

Raccoon eyes more formally called bilateral periorbital ecchymosis.

Due to tearing of dura going to orbit.

Question 6

There is clear fluid dripping from the patient’s nose. What is it? What name is given to this clinical sign?

Answer 6

CSF fluid

Rhinorrhea

Question 7

Explain how the CSF has reached the nasal cavity and why it is an important clinical sign.

Answer 7

From the CSF in the subarachnoid space. Going through the cribriform plates or into the meatuses.

Question 8

The patient reports losing her sense of smell. Which cranial nerve has been injured?

Answer 8

Olfactory nerve

Question 9

Explain with reference to your anatomical knowledge of its route, why this cranial nerve has been damaged in this patient.

Answer 9

It goes via the cribriform plates and anterior cranial fossa.