Nasal Cavity :Extends from the nostrils in front to the posterior nasal aperture behind, The nasal

cavity functions to humidify, warm,filter, and act as a conduit for inspired air, as well as protect
the respiratory tract through the use of the mucociliary system. The nasal cavity also houses the
receptors responsible for olfaction.
The nasal vestibule is the area of the nasal cavity lying just inside the nostril.
The nasal cavity is divided into right and left halves by the Nasal septum which is made up of
Septal cartilage, Vertical plate of the ethmoid,Vomer
Walls of nasal cavity
• Each half has floor,roof, lateral wall,Medial wall
Floor:
1.Palatine process of maxilla
2.Horizontal plate of palatine bone
Roof:
Anteriorly: Nasal and frontal bone
Midline: Cribriform pate of ethmoid bone
Posteriorly: body of sphenoid
Lateral wall
1. 3 projections of bone.
2. Superior, middle and inferior nasal conchae.
3. Space below each concha is called meatus.
Superior meatus: below superior concha, openings of the posterior ethmoidal sinuses
Middle meatus: Below middle concha,Rounded swelling (ethmoidal bulla);largest ethmoidal air
cells/spaces
2.Curved opening just below the Bulla (Hiatus Semilunaris)
3.Hiatus leads to a funnel shaped channel (Infundibulum)
• The hiatus semilunaris (or semilunar hiatus) is a Crescent-shaped groove in the lateral wall of
the nasal cavity just inferior to the ethmoidal bulla. It is the Location of the openings for the
frontal sinus, maxillary sinus, and anterior Ethmoidal sinus.
Inferior meatus: below inferior concha, openings of the lower part of nasolacrimal duct
Infundibulum; The ethmoid infundibulum is a Pyramidal space that facilitates the drainage of
he maxillary, anterior ethmoid, and frontal sinuses.
Sphenoethmoidal Recess: small area above superior concha, receives an opening of the
Sphenoidal air sinuses
Medial wall :Formed by Nasal septum, Upper part : Vertical plate of ethmoid and vomer,
Anterior part: Septal cartilage
Mucous membrane of the Nasal Cavity : Vestibule is Lined with modified skin and hair
2. Area above superior concha is Lined with Olfactory mucous membrane and contain nerve
endings sensitive to the reception of smell
3. Lower part of nasal cavity is lined with respiratory mucous membrane
4. A Large plexus of veins in the submucous connective tissue is present in the respiratory region
Function of warm blood and mucous membrane :
1. Heat up the inspired air
2.Mucus traps foreign particles and organisms in the inspired air
Nerve supply : Olfactory nerves, Branches of ophthalmic and maxillary division.
Blood supply: Branches of maxillary artery, Sphenopalatine artery, Submucous venous plexus
Lymph drainage:
1.Submandibular nodes
2.Deep cervical nodes