Nasal cycle: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:49, 15 February 2025

An article about the nasal cycle, a physiological phenomenon in humans.

Nasal Cycle[edit]

The nasal cycle is a physiological process in which the nasal passages undergo alternating partial congestion and decongestion. This cycle is a normal function of the autonomic nervous system and occurs in most humans.

Physiology[edit]

The nasal cycle involves the turbinates, also known as the conchae, which are structures within the nasal cavity. These structures swell and shrink in a rhythmic pattern, leading to changes in airflow through the nasal passages. Typically, one side of the nose will be more congested while the other is less so, and this alternates over a period of several hours.

Mechanism[edit]

The mechanism behind the nasal cycle is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The cycle is thought to be regulated by the hypothalamus, which influences the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the nasal mucosa.

Function[edit]

The nasal cycle serves several functions, including:

Humidification and filtration: By alternating airflow between the two nostrils, the nasal cycle helps to maintain optimal conditions for humidifying and filtering the air we breathe.
Olfaction: The cycle may enhance the sense of smell by allowing one nostril to rest while the other is active.
Protection: It may protect the nasal mucosa from drying out by ensuring that one side is always less exposed to airflow.

Clinical Significance[edit]

While the nasal cycle is a normal physiological process, it can become more pronounced in certain conditions, such as allergic rhinitis or nasal polyps. In some cases, individuals may become aware of their nasal cycle if it leads to significant nasal obstruction.

Related pages[edit]

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-{{gif-image}}
+{{Short description|An article about the nasal cycle, a physiological phenomenon in humans.}}
-The '''nasal cycle''' is a physiological condition that occurs naturally in the [[human]] [[nose]]. It involves the alternating partial congestion and decongestion of the [[nasal cavities]]. This cycle is controlled by the [[autonomic nervous system]] and is a normal physiological response, not an indication of [[nasal congestion]] or [[health]] issues.
-The nasal cycle was first described by the German physician Richard Kayser in 1895. It is characterized by a periodic change in airflow resistance between the two nostrils, with one nostril experiencing increased airflow while the other experiences decreased airflow. The cycle typically shifts from one nostril to the other every 2 to 6 hours.
+==Nasal Cycle==
+The '''nasal cycle''' is a physiological process in which the [[nasal passages]] undergo alternating partial congestion and decongestion. This cycle is a normal function of the [[autonomic nervous system]] and occurs in most humans.
-This phenomenon is believed to serve several functions, including enhanced [[olfaction]] (the sense of smell), regulation of [[air humidity]] and temperature before the air reaches the [[lungs]], and prevention of drying in the nasal passages. The nasal cycle is also thought to facilitate [[sleep]] by promoting breathing through one nostril, which can help regulate body temperature and [[blood pressure]].
+[[File:Concha_nasalis.gif|thumb|right|Diagram of the nasal conchae, which play a role in the nasal cycle.]]
-The regulation of the nasal cycle is complex and involves various factors, including the [[sympathetic nervous system]] and [[parasympathetic nervous system]], [[hormones]], and [[physical activity]]. External factors such as [[allergies]], [[infections]], and environmental conditions can also influence the cycle.
+===Physiology===
+The nasal cycle involves the [[turbinates]], also known as the [[conchae]], which are structures within the nasal cavity. These structures swell and shrink in a rhythmic pattern, leading to changes in airflow through the nasal passages. Typically, one side of the nose will be more congested while the other is less so, and this alternates over a period of several hours.
-Understanding the nasal cycle is important in the field of [[otolaryngology]] (ear, nose, and throat medicine) and can have implications for the treatment of nasal conditions, such as [[chronic sinusitis]] and [[deviated septum]]. It also has relevance in [[sleep medicine]], particularly in the context of conditions like [[sleep apnea]], where nasal obstruction can play a significant role.
+===Mechanism===
+The mechanism behind the nasal cycle is controlled by the [[autonomic nervous system]], specifically the [[sympathetic nervous system]] and the [[parasympathetic nervous system]]. The cycle is thought to be regulated by the [[hypothalamus]], which influences the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the nasal mucosa.
-[[Category:Human physiology]]
+===Function===
-[[Category:Otolaryngology]]
+The nasal cycle serves several functions, including:
-{{medicine-stub}}
+* '''Humidification and filtration''': By alternating airflow between the two nostrils, the nasal cycle helps to maintain optimal conditions for humidifying and filtering the air we breathe.
+* '''Olfaction''': The cycle may enhance the sense of smell by allowing one nostril to rest while the other is active.
+* '''Protection''': It may protect the nasal mucosa from drying out by ensuring that one side is always less exposed to airflow.
+===Clinical Significance===
+While the nasal cycle is a normal physiological process, it can become more pronounced in certain conditions, such as [[allergic rhinitis]] or [[nasal polyps]]. In some cases, individuals may become aware of their nasal cycle if it leads to significant nasal obstruction.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Nasal cavity]]
+* [[Turbinates]]
+* [[Autonomic nervous system]]
+* [[Allergic rhinitis]]
+[[Category:Respiratory physiology]]