nasal cavity
Airway behind nostrils
The nasal cavity is the air-filled space inside the nose, extending from the nostrils to the back of the throat.
It is divided by the nasal septum and lined with mucous membranes that warm, moisten, and filter inhaled air.
The cavity also contains olfactory receptors responsible for the sense of smell.
The doctor examined her nasal cavity for signs of infection.
Bony nasal cavity ridges
- septumInternal anatomical partition
- mucosaMoist organ lining
- meatusBody's tubular opening
- ethmoidPerforated skull bone
frontal sinus · paranasal · antrum · nasopharynx · vestibule · nares · cartilage · bone
Movement of atmosphere
- inhalationTaking breath in
- exhalationBreathing out air
- breathingPulmonary gas exchange
- nostrilsBreathing holes in face
oxygen · ventilation · humidification · filtration · warming · mucus · cilia · inspiration
Olfactory perception
- scentAirborne odor detected
- olfactoryOf the sense detecting odors
- aromaPleasant distinctive smell
- odorPerceived atmospheric emission
fragrance · sniff · pheromones · anosmia · chemosensory · bouquet · whiff · pungency
Excessive accumulation causing blockage
- rhinitisInflamed nasal membrane
- sinusitisInflamed nasal cavities
- polypsFixed aquatic invertebrates
- deviated septumMisaligned nasal partition
allergies · inflammation · infection · obstruction · stuffiness · nosebleed · nasopharyngitis · swelling
Nasal wall realignment
- rhinoplastySurgery reshaping the nose
- endoscopyInternal organ examination
- irrigationArtificial water supply for agriculture
- sinus surgeryProcedure to clear nasal passages
biopsy · cauterization · decongestant · CT scan · examination · speculum · ENT · otolaryngology
turbinates
Bony nasal cavity ridges
ethmoid · frontal sinus · paranasal · antrum · nasopharynx · vestibule · nares · cartilage · bone · epithelium
airflow
Movement of atmosphere
- inhalationTaking breath in
- exhalationBreathing out air
- breathingPulmonary gas exchange
nostrils · oxygen · ventilation · humidification · filtration · warming · mucus · cilia · inspiration · expiration
smell
Olfactory perception
odor · fragrance · sniff · pheromones · anosmia · chemosensory · bouquet · whiff · pungency · musky
congestion
Excessive accumulation causing blockage
deviated septum · allergies · inflammation · infection · obstruction · stuffiness · nosebleed · nasopharyngitis · swelling · blockage
septoplasty
Nasal wall realignment
- rhinoplastySurgery reshaping the nose
- endoscopyInternal organ examination
- irrigationArtificial water supply for agriculture
sinus surgery · biopsy · cauterization · decongestant · CT scan · examination · speculum · ENT · otolaryngology
- anatomybrain, heart, bones, liver, stomach
- Respirationbreathing, lungs, inhalation, inhaling, exhalation
- animal anatomyskull, teeth, ears, eyes, nose
- dinosaur bodyskull, skeleton, bones, tail, teeth
- respiratory systemlungs, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, airways
- body cavitiesspinal canal, posterior chamber, ventricle, ventricles, amniotic sac