What are the main parts of the nasal cavity?

The nasal cavity consists of two main parts: the vestibule, a small anteroinferior area lined by skin with coarse hairs (vibrissae), and the nasal cavity proper, a larger posterosuperior part lined by mucosa, which includes respiratory and olfactory regions.

What bones form the boundaries of the nasal cavity?

The boundaries are formed by several bones: the roof includes the nasal bone, cribriform plate of ethmoid, and sphenoid body; the floor is made of the palatine process of maxilla (anterior 3/4) and horizontal plate of palatine bone (posterior 1/4); and the medial wall (septum) involves the perpendicular plate of ethmoid and vomer (bony parts), plus septal cartilage (cartilaginous part).

What is the blood supply to the nasal cavity?

Arterial supply includes: for the nasal septum, anterior and posterior ethmoidal, sphenopalatine, greater palatine, and superior labial arteries, anastomosing at Little’s area; for the lateral wall, it's supplied by anterior ethmoidal, facial, greater palatine, and sphenopalatine arteries based on location. Venous drainage goes to the facial vein, pterygoid venous plexus, and pharyngeal plexus.

How is the nasal cavity innervated?

Innervation involves: general sensation supplied by nerves like anterior ethmoidal, nasopalatine, and greater palatine nerves to the septum and lateral wall; olfaction provided by olfactory nerves from the upper third of the cavity; and autonomic control via Vidian’s nerve for gland secretion (parasympathetic) and vasoconstriction (sympathetic).

What are common clinical issues related to the nasal cavity?

Common issues include: Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS), which can cause nasal obstruction and often requires surgery; epistaxis (nosebleed), frequently originating from Little’s area, especially in children due to trauma; and rhinitis, inflammation of the mucosa, with allergic types leading to symptoms like sneezing.

What is the function of the lining in the nasal cavity?

The lining has specialized regions: the vestibule is lined by skin with vibrissae for filtering; the olfactory region in the upper third is lined by olfactory epithelium for smell; and the respiratory region is lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium to warm, humidify, and filter air.

What structures are found on the lateral wall of the nasal cavity?

The lateral wall features: conchae (turbinates) including superior, middle, and inferior, with corresponding meatuses; the sphenoethmoidal recess above the superior concha, containing the sphenoidal sinus opening; and the atrium, a middle zone bounded by agger nasi and separated from the vestibule by limen nasi.

Nasal Cavity – Septum, Conchae & Walls

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