Anatomy and Function of the Nasal Cavity, Conchae, and Sinuses

external nares, nostrils, cavity, conchae, sinuses

the upper respiratory system includes: nose [() or ()], nasal (), nasal (), paranasal ()

The external nares, also known as the nostrils, are the two openings found in the front of the nose through which air enters the nasal cavity. The nasal cavity is a hollow space lined with mucous membranes and tiny hairs called cilia, which help filter the air we breathe in. The nasal cavity is divided into two sections by a vertical wall called the nasal septum.

Inside the nasal cavity, there are bony ridges called conchae that increase the surface area and help to increase the amount of time the air spends inside the cavity. The conchae also function to warm and humidify the air as it passes through the nasal cavity, to improve conditioning before it reaches the lungs.

There are also four pairs of sinuses, including the maxillary, frontal, sphenoid, and ethmoid sinuses, which are air-filled spaces located inside the facial bones that connect to the nasal cavity. The sinuses are lined with mucous membranes and help to reduce the weight of the skull and provide resonance to the human voice.

Overall, these structures work together to filter, warm, humidify, and condition the air that enters the body through the nose, before it reaches the lungs.

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