The structure of the nasal cavity is complex, considering the relatively simple sensory role of the nose.
The nasal cavity is comprised of a superficial layer of epithelium. The nasal vestibules (nostrils) are lined with sebaceous and sweat glands, as well of hair.
There are right and left halves of the nasal cavity. The nasal septum divides these right and left halves. There is an anterior region and a posterior region of the nasal septum. The anterior region is made up of hyaline cartilage, and the posterior region is made up of the vomer and ethmoid bones.
In both the right and left halves, there are lateral (side) walls. Each of the walls has 3 bones: the superior concha, the middle concha, and the inferior concha. Below each of these concha is a space called the meati. There is one meati named for each. The middle and superior conchae are covered with olfactory epithelium, and the inferior conchae are covered with respiratory epithelium.
The lateral (side) walls have 2 primary openings. The first opening is the nasolacrimal ducts, which carries tears from lacrimal sacs to the nasal cavity. The second opening is the paranasal duct, which is where the paranasal sinuses drain. Both of these ducts are lined with mucous membrane.
The nasal cavity is divided by the midline by the nasal septum, which is composed of bone and cartilage. This structure separates the cavity into right and left sides.
At the base of the nasal cavity is the hard palate, which is the bony structure that separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity (mouth).
Paranasal sinuses drain into the nasal cavity.
The bony nasal cavity is made up of the hard palate and the palatine process of the maxilla. The nasal cavity is made up of the rest of the nasal sinuses and includes the bony nasal cavity.
The paranasal sinuses drain into the nasal cavity through small openings called ostia. These openings allow mucus and other secretions to flow from the sinuses into the nasal passages where they can be cleared by the body.
The hard palate separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. It is a bony structure located in the roof of the mouth that helps with speech production and chewing.
The walls of the nasal cavity are composed of bone, cartilage, and mucous membranes. The bone and cartilage provide structure and support, while the mucous membranes help warm, humidify, and filter the air as it passes through the nasal cavity.
The dagger-shaped bone in the nasal cavity is called the vomer bone. It is located in the midline of the nasal cavity and helps to separate the left and right nasal passages.
The nasal cavity is divided into two sides by the nasal septum, which is made of cartilage and bone structures.
The nasal cavity opens up to the nasopharynx through the choanae. The nasal cavity is lined with mucosa except for vestibule. The nasal cavity has openings for paranasal sinuses.
The nasal spine is a small bony projection located at the lower part of the nasal cavity between the two nostrils. It helps support the structure and shape of the nose.
The sinuses connect to the nasal cavity. They are hollow cavities located within the bones surrounding the nasal cavity and are lined with a mucous membrane.