Nasal cavity

The paired nasal cavity ( glenoid nasi) is part of the respiratory tract and contains the olfactory organ. The nasal septum (septum nasi) separates the left and right nasal cavity, in which can be distinguished depending on one area within the external nose Nasenvorraum ( vestibulum nasi) and deeper lying the actual nasal cavity ( cavum nasi proprium ). The ciliated epithelium of a mucous membrane lined with cavum nasi is each ( nasal conchae ) between the floor and roof of the nasal cavity by bony assisted turbinate subdivided in tiers in the nasal passages ( nasal meatus ). The median wall forms the septum in the lateral wall are entrances to the sinuses. After the back to open up the nasal cavities of the posterior nares to the nasal part of the pharynx.

In humans, three turbinates are usually distinguished:

• Upper turbinates ( nasal concha superior, with animals Concha nasalis dorsalis)
• Middle turbinate ( concha nasalis media)
• Inferior turbinate ( inferior nasal concha, concha nasalis ventralis in animals )

Occasionally a supreme turbinate nasal concha suprema may be additionally formed.

The turbinates is bordered by three nasal passages from:

• Upper nasal passage ( meatus nasi superior, with animals meatus dorsalis): between upper and middle turbinate. In non-primate it ends blindly. In this passage, the organ of smell ( olfactory Organum ) is located in the rear part, which is why the transition is also called olfactory gear.
• Middle meatus ( meatus nasi medius ) between the lower and middle turbinate. Even the middle meatus ends blind when not in primates. To him the sinuses ( paranasal sinuses ) are connected, therefore also called sinus passageway.
• Lower nasal passage ( meatus nasi inferior meatus nasi ventralis in animals ) between the palate and lower turbinate. It leads across the Choanenöffnung in the nasopharynx and serves as air, therefore also called respiratory passage. In the front part of the nasolacrimal passage opens ( nasolacrimal duct ) with a fold of mucous membrane ( Hasner flap ).

In primates, including humans, carry all three nasal passages on the Choanenöffnung in the nasopharynx and serve as air. Compared to non-primate, the nose is shortened and significantly higher, the turbinates are reduced and simple in shape.