The respiratory system - nasal conchae (turbinates) Flashcards
Where is the nasal conchae found?
Projecting out of the lateral walls of the nasal cavity are curved shelves of bone. They are called conchae.
What is the function of the nasal conchae
The conchae warms and humidifies air before it reaches the lungs and airways
What 4 pathways does the conchae form and what are they called?
These pathways are called meatuses:
Inferior meatus – between the inferior concha and floor of the nasal cavity.
Middle meatus – between the inferior and middle concha.
Superior meatus – between the middle and superior concha.
Spheno-ethmoidal recess – superiorly and posteriorly to the superior concha.
Where is the Spheno-ethmoidal recess located?
What is its function?
Superiorly and posteriorly to the superior concha.
The sphenoethmoidal recess drains the posterior ethmoid air cells and sphenoid sinuses into the superior meatus of the nasal cavity.
What does the Auditory (Eustachian) tube open into?
What is its function?
Auditory (Eustachian) tube – opens into the nasopharynx at the level of the inferior meatus. It allows the middle ear to equalise with the atmospheric air pressure.
What is the function of the Nasolacrimal duct?
Acts to drain tears from the eye. It opens into the inferior meatus.
What structures are found within the meatuses?
Openings (ostia) to the paranasal sinuses
What are the functions of the paranasal sinuses?
- Lighting weight of the head
- Humifying the air
- Increasing the surface area
- The resonance of speech
- Crumple zones for trauma
Describe the structure of the nasal cavity
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