The Function and Anatomy of the Respiratory System

from nares (nostrils) to posterior nasal apertures

The respiratory system is responsible for delivering oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide

The respiratory system is responsible for delivering oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide. One of the key structures involved in this process is the nasal cavity, which extends from the nares or nostrils to the posterior nasal apertures.

The nares, also known as nostrils, are the external openings of the nasal cavity. They are located at the front of the nose and act as the entry point for air into the respiratory system. When you breathe in, air enters the nares and progresses towards the nasal cavity.

From the nares, air passes through the vestibule, which is the anterior part of the nasal cavity. This section contains hairs that help to filter out larger particles such as dust and pollen, preventing them from entering deeper into the respiratory system.

As the air moves inward, it reaches the respiratory portion of the nasal cavity. Here, the air is warmed, humidified, and cleansed of smaller particles and impurities through the action of the nasal mucosa. The nasal mucosa is lined with a network of blood vessels that help to heat the air to body temperature and moisten it to an optimal level before it reaches the lungs.

The middle and inferior nasal conchae, which are thin, scroll-like bones, are located on the lateral walls of the nasal cavity. They create turbulence within the nasal airflow, aiding in the warming, humidification, and filtration processes. These structures increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, allowing for better air-conditioning of the inspired air.

Finally, as the air reaches the posterior part of the nasal cavity, it exits through the posterior nasal apertures. These are small openings that lead into the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the throat. The air then continues its journey through the respiratory tract, reaching the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and finally the lungs.

In summary, the pathway from the nares to the posterior nasal apertures involves the air passing through the vestibule, where larger particles are filtered out, before reaching the main respiratory portion of the nasal cavity. The air is then warmed, humidified, and cleansed of smaller particles through the action of the nasal mucosa and the structures like nasal conchae. Finally, it exits through the posterior nasal apertures into the nasopharynx, continuing its flow through the rest of the respiratory system.

More Answers: