Nasal cavity (air space)
Cavitas nasi
RespiratoryOrgansHead
- What it is
- The air passage from the nostrils (nares) to the choanae at the back of the nose, divided by the septum into two halves whose side walls carry the turbinates.
- Function
- Warms, humidifies and filters inhaled air; the olfactory mucosa in its roof detects smell.
- Size
- About 7–8 cm long and 5 cm high; each half is only 1–1.5 cm wide at the floor and a few mm at the roof.
- Clinical note
- Air flows mainly through the middle meatus; the nasal cycle alternately congests each side every few hours.