Nasal

Nasal refers to anything related to the nose, a prominent facial feature that serves various functions such as olfaction, respiration, and conditioning of inhaled air. The term 'nasal' is also used in phonetics to denote sounds produced with an open nasopharynx.

Anatomy

The nasal region is primarily divided into the external nose and the nasal cavity. The external nose is the protruding part of the face that forms the upper lip's superior margin. It is composed of a root, apex, naris (nostril), and ala. The nasal cavity, on the other hand, is a large air-filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face.

External Nose

The external nose is made up of bones and cartilages. The nasal bone forms the bridge of the nose, while the alar cartilage shapes the nostrils. The skin covering the nose varies in thickness, being thicker at the ala and thinner at the bridge.

Nasal Cavity

The nasal cavity is divided into two passages by the nasal septum. Each passage is lined by mucous membrane and has three nasal conchae or turbinates on the lateral wall. These conchae increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, enhancing its functions of warming, humidifying, and filtering the inhaled air.

Functions

The nose performs several functions, including:

• Olfaction: The sense of smell is facilitated by the olfactory epithelium in the roof of the nasal cavity.
• Respiration: The nose is the primary entryway for air into the respiratory tract.
• Air Conditioning: The nasal cavity conditions the inhaled air, adjusting its temperature and humidity to near body conditions. It also filters out particulate matter and pathogens.

Clinical Significance

Various conditions can affect the nasal region, including nasal congestion, rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps, and nasal fracture. Treatment can range from medication to nasal surgery, depending on the condition's severity and cause.

See Also

• Nasal administration
• Nasal cycle
• Nasal hair
• Nasal irrigation

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