The nasal cavity is a complex structure within the head that is responsible for the passage of air into the respiratory system. It is located behind the nose and is lined with a mucous membrane that helps to warm, moisten, and filter the air as it enters the body.
The nasal cavity is divided into two halves by the nasal septum. Each half contains three bony projections called turbinates, which increase the surface area of the cavity and help to improve the efficiency of air conditioning before it enters the respiratory system.
Functions of the Nasal Cavity
The nasal cavity serves several important functions:
Filtering: The hairs and mucus in the nasal cavity help to filter out dust, pollen, and other particles from the air.
Moistening: The mucous membrane in the nasal cavity helps to add moisture to the air, preventing the respiratory system from drying out.
Warming: As air passes through the nasal cavity, it is warmed to body temperature, reducing the shock to the lungs caused by inhaling cold air.
Smell: The nasal cavity contains receptors for the sense of smell, allowing us to detect and differentiate between various odors.
Common Disorders of the Nasal Cavity
Some common disorders of the nasal cavity include:
Deviated Septum: A condition in which the nasal septum is displaced to one side, causing difficulty breathing.
Nasal Polyps: Soft, painless growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses and can cause sinus congestion and a reduced sense of smell.
Rhinitis:Inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose, causing symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and congestion.
Study Guide
When studying the nasal cavity, it's important to focus on the following key points:
The anatomy of the nasal cavity, including the nasal septum and turbinates.
The functions of the nasal cavity, such as filtering, moistening, and warming the air, as well as its role in the sense of smell.
Common disorders of the nasal cavity and their symptoms.
Understanding the structure and function of the nasal cavity is essential for anyone studying human anatomy or respiratory physiology.
Energy - A. Energy is involved in all physical and chemical processes. It is conserved, and can be transformed from one form to another and into work. At the atomic and nuclear levels energy is not continuous but exists in discrete amounts. Energy and mass are related through Einstein's equation E=mc 2 . B. The properties of atomic nuclei are responsible for energy-related phenomena such as radioactivity, fission and fusion. C. Changes in entropy and energy that accompany chemical reactions influence reaction paths. Chemical reactions result in the release or absorption of energy. D. The theory of electromagnetism explains that electricity and magnetism are closely related. Electric charges are the source of electric fields. Moving charges generate magnetic fields. E. Waves are the propagation of a disturbance. They transport energy and momentum but do not transport matter.
Relate temperature to the average molecular kinetic energy.