the nose of the respitory Flashcards
The nose is the only part of the respitory systom that is
vissible
During breathing, air enters the nose by passing
through the nostrils, or nares.
The interior of the nose consists of
the nasal cavity, divided by a midline nasal septum.
. The olfactory receptors for the sense of smell are located in the
in the slitlike superior part of the nasal cavity, just beneath the ethmoid bone.
What is the function of the respiratory mucosa in the nasal cavity?
The respiratory mucosa rests on a network of thin-walled veins that warm the air as it flows past. Additionally, the sticky mucus produced by the mucosa moistens the air and traps bacteria and other foreign debris.
How does the mucus in the nasal cavity help protect the body?
The mucus in the nasal cavity traps bacteria and other foreign debris, and contains lysozyme enzymes that chemically destroy bacteria, helping to protect the respiratory system.
What role do the ciliated cells in the nasal mucosa play?
The ciliated cells create a gentle current that moves the contaminated mucus toward the throat (pharynx), where it is swallowed and digested by stomach juices.
Why do we often experience a “runny” nose in cold weather?
In cold weather, the cilia in the nasal cavity become sluggish, allowing mucus to accumulate and eventually drip outward through the nostrils, leading to a runny nose.
What are conchae in the nasal cavity and how do they function?
The conchae are three mucosa-covered projections on the lateral walls of the nasal cavity. They increase the surface area of the mucosa and enhance air turbulence, which helps trap inhaled particles on the mucus-coated surfaces.
How does the air movement through the nasal cavity help filter particles?
As air swirls through the twists and turns created by the conchae, inhaled particles are deflected onto the mucus-coated surfaces, where they are trapped and prevented from reaching the lungs.
What separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity?
The palate separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity.
What is a cleft palate and what causes it?
A cleft palate is a genetic defect where the bones forming the palate fail to fuse medially.
What problems can result from a cleft palate?
A cleft palate can lead to breathing difficulties and problems with oral cavity functions, such as breastfeeding and speaking.
The nasal cavity is surrounded by a ring of paranasal sinuses located in the frontal, sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary bones.
The sinuses lighten the skull and act as resonance chambers for speech. They also produce mucus, which drains into the nasal cavities. The suctioning effect created by nose blowing helps to drain the sinuses. The nasolacrimal ducts, which drain tears from the eyes, also empty into the nasal cavities.
What is rhinitis and what causes it?
Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, often caused by cold viruses or allergens. This leads to excessive mucus production, causing nasal congestion and postnasal drip.
How does the nasal mucosa contribute to the spread of infections?
Since the nasal mucosa is continuous throughout the respiratory tract and extends into the nasolacrimal ducts and paranasal sinuses, infections in the nasal cavity can spread to these regions.
Front:
What is sinusitis and what challenges does it present?
Sinusitis is sinus inflammation, which is difficult to treat and can cause noticeable changes in voice quality.
What happens when the sinuses’ passageways are blocked?
When the passageways connecting the sinuses to the nasal cavity are blocked by mucus or infectious matter, the air in the sinuses is absorbed, creating a partial vacuum and causing a sinus headache over the inflamed area.
