The structure of the nose

The nose is the initial part of the human respiratory tract, which has a number of important functions, such as warming and partial moistening of the air, cleansing it of pathogenic microorganisms and dust particles, and further holding it into the pharynx. In addition, the nasal sinuses are good resonators of sound and take part in the formation of human speech. Anatomy of the nose is extremely complex and interesting. Consider the structure of the nose in more detail.

Structure of the nose: departments

It is accepted to distinguish two parts of the nose: the nasal cavity (inner part) and the outer nose.

In shape, the outer nose resembles a pyramid, consists of the cartilaginous and bony part. The bones of the external nose are attached to the frontal bone, forming the back of the nose. Wings are formed by lateral cartilages, which, like the cartilage of the nasal septum, are of great importance in shaping the shape of the nose. Cartilages, along with the nasal bones, form a special anatomical structure, called the slope of the nose. As anatomical formation of the outer nose is present only in humans, its appearance is associated with a change in the mode of movement (vertical walking on two extremities) and the development of speech.

The nasal cavity is much more complicated than the outer nose, located inside the skull, bordering on important anatomical formations - the oral cavity, anterior cranial fossa and orbits. The nasal cavity is communicated by means of the khohan with the pharynx, and also by means of a pear-shaped opening, which is formed by the nasal and facial bones, with the nasal vestibule.

Face bones and skull bones form several walls in the nasal canvas. Latticed bones form the upper and outer walls, the bony nasal septum is internal, and the palatine processes of the upper jaws are the lower one. The most complex structure is the outer wall, which has three bony protuberances, also called nasal shells: lower, upper and middle. The lower shell, which is a separate, independent bone, has the largest dimensions. The middle and upper shells are the processes of the latticed bone. Each shell is located above the nasal passage, which is also three: the upper, lower and middle. All three nasal conchae and the septum of the nose are separated by a free space called the common nasal passage. Such a structure of the nose, namely this system of nasal cavities is of great importance in moistening and warming the air coming through the nose.

In addition to bone and cartilaginous tissue, which play a major role in the formation of the nose and the preservation of its shape, a large number of functions are performed by the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. It is divided into two departments: olfactory and respiratory. The olfactory area is strictly specialized and contains a huge number of olfactory receptors, designed to perceive odors. The receptors of the olfactory region can completely or partially lose their function. This occurs when working in dusty and smoky conditions, with frequent cold and viral diseases, and a constant exposure to harmful toxic substances.

Most of the nose lining the respiratory component of the mucosa, which has many features of the structure. These features are aimed primarily at processing the air flowing through the nasal cavity. The entire surface of the respiratory mucosa is covered with a huge number of cilia, on which dust particles are trapped, and due to the continuous oscillation of the cilia toward the exit, they are quickly removed. In addition, the entire surface of the mucous membrane contains specific mucous glands that secrete a special mucus that collects dust and microbes on its surface and then evacuates them. The composition of this mucus includes many substances that fight against bacteria and pathogenic microbes. In the nasal wall directly beneath the mucous membrane there is a set of interlacing veins, the main purpose of which is the heating of the air entering the nose.

As already mentioned above, the structure of the nose is much more complicated than it may seem at first glance. Our nose has special "secret rooms" - nasal sinuses opening into the nasal cavity and performing additional heating of the air. The sinuses of the nose are covered with mucous, there are 4 types:

1. Maxillaries or maxillary sinuses. They are located on the right and left in the thickness of the upper jaw. The inputs of these sinuses are almost completely covered by the mucous membrane.

2. Frontal sinuses, also paired, they are located in the frontal bone.

3. In the body of the latticed bone, represented by a multitude of cells, there is a trellised sinus.

4. A single sphenoid sinus is located under the Turkish saddle in the body of the sphenoid bone.