Скачать или смотреть Nose Anatomy Explained | A Complete Guide

The nose is a highly complex organ that serves as both a visible facial feature and a critical functional component of the respiratory system. Beyond its role in breathing, it contributes to smell, speech, air filtration, and immune defense. Structurally, it combines bone, cartilage, mucous membranes, blood vessels, and nerves, all working in harmony to protect and support overall health.

External Nose

The external nose is the visible portion on the face, composed of skin, muscles, cartilage, and bone. Key structures include:

Root – between the eyes.

Bridge – upper portion supported by nasal bones.

Tip (apex) – soft and mobile, mostly cartilage.

Nostrils (nares) – entry/exit points for air, bordered by the alae.

Columella – skin strip separating the nostrils.

The external nose plays a role in aesthetics and symmetry while serving as the air’s entryway.

Nasal Septum

The nasal septum is the vertical wall dividing the left and right nasal cavities. It is part cartilage (front) and part bone (back). Ideally, it balances airflow between both sides. However, a deviated septum may cause obstruction, nosebleeds, or sinus infections. It also supports nasal structure and is lined with cilia and mucous membrane, which aid in cleaning inhaled air.

Nasal Cavity

Behind the external nose lies the nasal cavity, a hollow chamber extending to the throat. It is lined with mucous membranes that trap dust, pathogens, and allergens while warming and humidifying air. Within it are:

Turbinates (conchae) – three bony projections (superior, middle, inferior) that increase surface area to optimize air conditioning.

Openings to paranasal sinuses – air-filled chambers that reduce skull weight, produce mucus, and influence voice resonance.

Turbinates

The turbinates are essential for filtering, warming, and humidifying inhaled air. Rich in blood vessels, they condition air to lung-compatible temperature. Enlarged or swollen turbinates (allergies, infections) can cause nasal congestion and may require medical or surgical intervention.

Olfactory Region

Located at the top of the nasal cavity, the olfactory region contains receptors within the olfactory epithelium that detect odors. These receptors send signals via the olfactory nerve to the olfactory bulb, then to the brain for interpretation. Smell is tightly linked to taste, which explains flavor loss during nasal blockage. Damage from infections, trauma, or aging can cause anosmia (loss of smell).

Mucous Membranes and Cilia

The mucous membranes secrete mucus to trap harmful particles, while cilia (tiny hair-like structures) move mucus toward the throat, where it is swallowed and neutralized. This system operates continuously, protecting the lungs from airborne threats. Illness or dryness can impair this function, leading to congestion or infection.

Paranasal Sinuses

The paranasal sinuses—frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid—are connected to the nasal cavity. They:

Lighten the skull.

Enhance voice resonance.

Produce mucus for air filtration.

Inflammation or infection leads to sinusitis, causing pain, pressure, and blocked airflow.

Blood Supply and Nerves

The nose has a rich vascular network, supplied by branches of the facial and carotid arteries, which helps warm inhaled air but also makes the nose prone to bleeding. Its nerve supply includes:

Olfactory nerve (CN I) – sense of smell.

Trigeminal nerve (CN V) – sensations of touch, pain, and temperature.

These nerves also trigger protective reflexes like sneezing.

Functions and Importance

The nose performs multiple critical functions:

Respiratory filter – cleans, warms, and humidifies inhaled air.

Defense mechanism – traps pathogens and particles.

Olfaction – enables smell, enhancing taste and detecting danger (e.g., smoke, gas).

Voice resonance – nasal passages shape vocal quality.

A blocked or dysfunctional nose alters both respiration and speech, demonstrating its importance in daily life.

Conclusion

The nose is far more than a facial feature; it is a sophisticated organ that integrates structure and function. By managing airflow, detecting scents, supporting speech, and safeguarding respiratory health, it continuously works to maintain well-being. Understanding its anatomy enhances awareness of both its medical significance and its role in overall quality of life.