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The nasal cavity is a large, air-filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face. The nasal septum divides the cavity into two cavities, [1] also known as fossae. [2] Each cavity is the continuation of one of the two nostrils.
The human nose is the first organ of the respiratory system. It is also the principal organ in the olfactory system. The shape of the nose is determined by the nasal bones and the nasal cartilages, including the nasal septum, which separates the nostrils and divides the nasal cavity into two.
A nose is a protuberance in vertebrates that houses the nostrils, or nares, which receive and expel air for respiration alongside the mouth. Behind the nose are the olfactory mucosa and the sinuses. Behind the nasal cavity, air next passes through the pharynx, shared with the digestive system, and then into the rest of the respiratory system.
There are five individual cartilages that make up the nasal cavity: septal nasal cartilage, lateral nasal cartilage, major alar cartilage (greater alar cartilage, or cartilage of the aperture), minor alar cartilage (lesser alar cartilage, sesamoid, or accessory cartilage), and vomeronasal cartilage (Jacobson's cartilage).
The nasal bones are two small oblong bones, varying in size and form in different individuals; they are placed side by side at the middle and upper part of the face and by their junction, form the bridge of the upper one third of the nose . Each has two surfaces and four borders.
The nasal septum contains bone and hyaline cartilage. [3] It is normally about 2 mm thick. [4] The nasal septum is composed of four structures: The lowest part of the septum is a narrow strip of bone that projects from the maxilla and the palatine bones, and is the length of the septum.
The olfactory epithelium is a specialized epithelial tissue inside the nasal cavity that is involved in smell. In humans, it measures 5 cm 2 (0.78 sq in) [1] and lies on the roof of the nasal cavity about 7 cm (2.8 in) above and behind the nostrils. [2]
The choanae ( sg.: choana ), posterior nasal apertures or internal nostrils are two openings found at the back of the nasal passage between the nasal cavity and the pharynx, in humans and other mammals (as well as crocodilians and most skinks ).
Like other tetrapods, humans have two external nostrils (anterior nares) and two additional nostrils at the back of the nasal cavity, inside the head (posterior nares, posterior nasal apertures or choanae ). They also connect the nose to the throat (the nasopharynx), aiding in respiration.
In anatomy, the term nasal meatus [1] can refer to any of the three meatuses (passages) through the skull ' s nasal cavity: the superior meatus ( meatus nasi superior ), middle meatus ( meatus nasi medius ), and inferior meatus ( meatus nasi inferior ).