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Head and Neck > Nasal Anatomy and Physiology > Flashcards

Nasal Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

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1
Q

what is the function of the nasal airway?

A

humidify and warm inspired air

Remove noxious particles from the air, protects delicate distal lower respiratory tract

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2
Q

what does a blocked nose typically cause?

A

dry mouth disturbed sleep

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3
Q

what do tracheostomy/laryngectomy patients require?

A

humidifiers

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4
Q

why is the nose important for olfaction?

A

Sense organ, housing the olfactory apparatus

Smell substances for pleasure and defence purposes.

Important role in protection from danger, such as fire

Central in forming positive and negative memories

Taste: While chewing, chemicals from food activate olfactory receptors to identify food flavour.

Dysfunction can result poor quality of life

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5
Q

what is choanal atresia?

A

Choanal atresia is a congenital disorder in which the nasal choanae, (i.e., paired openings that connect the nasal cavity with the nasopharynx), are occluded by soft tissue (membranous), bone, or a combination of both, due to failed recanalization of the nasal fossae during fetal development.

Neonates are obligate nasal breathers
This is an emergency, as neonate will be unable to breathe
Requires surgical repair

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6
Q

what are the four funtions of the nose?

A

immune
speech
nasal airway
olfaction

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7
Q

what is the immune function of the nose?

A

Mucus consists of compounds that are able to neutralize antigens
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin E (IgE)

Good example is nasal flu vaccine
Smoking reduces number of cilia and change in mucous viscosity.

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8
Q

what are the speech functions of the nose

A

Nasal airflow modifies speech and produce nasal clicks or click consonants.

Paranasal sinuses also contribute to vocal resonance.

People with blocked nose sound ‘bunged up’

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9
Q

How is the nasal airway able to act as immune barrier?

A

Specialised nasal mucosal lining
First 1/3 stratified squamous epithelium
Nasal hairs trap large particulates

Posterior 2/3 pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Cilia allows mucus to travel 2.5cm/min
Goblet create sticky mucus that trap pathogens
Mucus contains IgA, IgE (allergies), lysozymes, alkaline

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10
Q

What is the structure of the nasal epithelium?

A

First 1/3 stratified squamous epithelium
Nasal hairs trap large particulates

Posterior 2/3 pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Cilia allows mucus to travel 2.5cm/min
Goblet create sticky mucus that trap pathogens
Mucus contains IgA, IgE (allergies), lysozymes, alkaline

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11
Q

What does mucus contain?

A

Mucus contains IgA, IgE (allergies), lysozymes, alkaline

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12
Q

Through what does smell occur?

A

Olfactory nerve
Through cribrifom plate
Olfactory mucosa

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13
Q

What allows drainage and aeration of middle ear?

A

Drainage and aeration of middle ear:

Eustachian tube

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14
Q

how is nasal air flow described?

A

laminar as it enters the nasal vestibule

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15
Q

how does velocity of air change as it travels through nasal valve?

A

Velocity of the air increases through the nasal valve, the narrowest site of the upper respiratory tract.

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16
Q

what is the function of the paranasal sinuses?

A

Thye are air filled and arise from the nasal cavity

Reduce skull weight
Physical buffer / crumple zone
Vocal resonance
Humidification
Heat insulation
Immune barrier

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17
Q

What are some of the external subunits of the nose?

A

Columella
Tip and supratip
Dorsum
Nasion
Glabella

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18
Q

how would you descibe the shape of the external nose?

A

Visible component of face
Pyramidal shape, with base continuous with forehead and apex at the nasal tip.

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19
Q

what is the dorsum of the nose?

A

surface between root of nose and tip.

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20
Q

what are the openings of the nose?

A

nares

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21
Q

what are the nares separated by?

A

columella

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22
Q

what different components does the nasal skeleton have?

A

Bony and cartilaginous components

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23
Q

what are the nasal bones?

A

The internal nasal septum separates the nasal cavity into two nostrils.

The bones that contribute to the nasal septum can be divided into: Paired bones: Nasal, maxillary and palatine bones. Unpaired bones: Ethmoid and vomer bones.

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24
Q

what are the nasal paired bones?

A

Nasal, maxillary and palatine bones

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25
what are the nasal unpaired bones?
Ethmoid and vomer bones.
26
what are the two main paired lateral cartilages of the nose?
Upper lateral cartilages Lower lateral (alar) cartilages
27
what are the main cartilaes of the nose accompanied by?
Supported by septal cartilage Smaller minor cartilages
28
What is the septum formed from?
Bone and cartilage: Septal cartilage Vomer Perpendicular plate of ethmoid
29
Where does nasal cartilage get blood supply from?
Poor blood supply Gets blood supply from mucosa overlying it Relevant in septal haematoma
30
what is a nasal bone fracture?
Most common facial fracture Can result in permanent deformity Possible to correct before bone heals
31
how is a nasal bone fracture corrected?
Closed reduction of nasal fractures can be performed under local anesthesia in the majority of patients complication - septal haematoma
32
What are examples of common nasal trauma?
Broken bones Move back before they heal Broken/bent cartilage Cannot be easily unbent
33
Septal haematoma - pathology
Septal haematoma = blood collects in the septum
34
Septal haematoma - aetiology
Post trauma
35
Septal haematoma - presentation
Almost always bilateral No blood supply to septum Causes septum necrosis, leading to perforation so needs to be drained as soon as possible
36
what is a saddle nose deformity?
Saddle nose deformity refers to a collapsed nasal bridge, which causes the middle portion of your nose to sag Cartilage has no blood supply of its own Relies on surrounding perichondrium Haematoma results in ischaemia and necrosis of the septum Support to the nose lost
37
where does the skin of the external nose receive its arterial supply from?
supratrochlear and dorsal nasal arteries (branches of the ophthalmic artery) and infraorbital artery (branch of maxillary artery).
38
where do the septum and alar cartilages receive their blood supply from
angular artery and lateral nasal artery
39
what are the angular artery and lateral nasal artery branches of?
Both are branches of the facial artery
40
where does the vessels from the external nose drain into?
facial vein
41
Where does nasal cartilage get blood supply from?
Poor blood supply Gets blood supply from mucosa overlying it Relevant in septal haematoma
42
what is the danger triangle of the face?
Highly anastomotic venous system of nose within danger triangle allows retrograde spread of infection to cavernous sinus via ophthalmic veins – life and sight threatening!
43
what may affect danger triangle and what may be signs of infection?
Can be relatively simple infection e.g. nasal furuncle Ptosis, chemosis, cranial nerve palsies (III, IV, V, VI). Sensory deficits of the ophthalmic and maxillary branches. Papilloedema, retinal haemorrhages, decreased visual acuity and blindness may occur Fever, tachycardia and sepsis may be present Headache with nuchal rigidity (neck stiffness)
44
what is sensory innervation of the external nose derived from?
trigeminal nerve (CN V)
45
which nerves supply the skin of the dorsum of nose, nasal alae and nasal vestibule?
Infratrochlear and external nasal nerves, branches of the ophthalmic nerve (CN V1)
46
what nerve are the lateral aspects of the nose supplied by?
infraorbital nerve, a branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V2)
47
what is motor innervation ro rhe nasal muscles innervated by?
facial nerve (CN VII).
48
what makes up the nasal musculature?
Nasalis is a paired muscle that covers the dorsum of the nose. It consists of two parts; alar and transverse. Procerus - small pyramidal muscle occupying the glabella
49
what is the nasalis innervated by?
Buccal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
50
what action does the alar part of the nasalis have on the nose?
Depresses ala laterally, dilates nostrils
51
what action does the transverse part of the nasalis have on the nose?
Wrinkles skin of dorsum of nose
52
what is the procerus innervated by?
temporal, lower zygomatic or buccal branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
53
what action does the procerus have on the face?
depress the medial ends of the eyebrows, wrinkles skin over the glabella - creates a facial expression of frowning, or when exposed to bright light or other eye irritants.
54
what three parts is the internal nose/nasal cavity divided into?
Vestibule – entrance to cavity, lined hair bearing skin Respiratory region - lined by a ciliated psudeostratified epithelium, with mucus-secreting goblet cells. Olfactory region - at the apex of the nasal cavity. It is lined by olfactory cells with olfactory receptors.
55
describe the vestibule?
entrance to cavity, lined hair bearing skin
56
describe the respiratory region?
lined by a ciliated psudeostratified epithelium, with mucus-secreting goblet cells.
57
describe the olfactory region?
at the apex of the nasal cavity. It is lined by olfactory cells with olfactory receptors.
58
what is the nasal septum?
Vertical wall, divides left and right nasal passages. Forms medial wall of nasal passage Consist of bony and cartilaginous parts
59
what bony and cartilaginous parts make up the nasal septum?
Quadrangular cartilage Perpendicular plate of ethmoid Vomer Maxillary crest Palatine bone
60
what are nasal turbinates?
Bony skull like projections from lateral wall of the nose: Superior Middle Inferior
61
What is the function of turbinates?
Increases surface area of the nose: Humidification and warming of air
62
What are turbinates covered in?
Covered in erectile tissue: Day to day cycling Respond to temperature
63
What opens underneath turbinates?
Sinuses and nasolacrimal duct open underneath turbinates: Meatus Correspond to turbinate they are under
64
What is the nasolacrimal duct?
Drainage pathway of lacrimal secretions (tears) From lacrimal sac
65
Where does nasolacrimal duct open?
Opens under inferior turbinate Inferior meatus
66
how would you descibe the vasculature of the internal nose?
Rich vascular supply –allows humidification and warming of inspired air. Supply from both internal and external carotid arteries:
67
what are the internal carotid branches that supply the internal nose?
Anterior ethmoidal artery Posterior ethmoidal artery
68
what are the external carotid branches that supply the internal nose?
Sphenopalatine artery Greater palatine artery Superior labial artery Lateral nasal arteries
69
what is epistaxis?
Epistaxis (nosebleed) is one of the most common ear, nose, and throat (ENT) emergencies that present to the emergency room or primary care. There are two types of nosebleeds: anterior (more common), and posterior (less common, but more likely to require medical attention)
70
where is the most common site for epistaxis to occur?
Commonest site at Little’s area (Kiesselbach plexus) on anterior septum
71
is epistaxis easy to treat at littles area?
Easy to access and cauterise under local anaesthesia
72
where is posterior bleeding typically from?
Woodruff plexus - more likely to require nasal packing
73
can nasal packing be anterior and posterior?
Nasal packing can be anterior or posterior Rapid rhino vs merocel Foley catheter and ribbon gauze
74
what does surgical management of epistaxis include?
Surgical management includes endoscopic ligation of sphenopalatine artery
75
in the context of a nasal fracture what blood vessel is the most likely source?
In context of nasal fracture, anterior ethmoid likely source Surgical management via external approach
76
What are the paranasal sinuses?
2 frontal Behind eyebrows Drains into frontal recess Drains via middle meatus Lateral to middle turbinate 2 maxillary Behind each cheek Drains via middle meatus Sphenoid Drains via the sphenoethmoidal recess Optic nerve runs above it Internal carotids either side Pituitary is posterior This is why severe sinusitis can cause neurological problems Ethmoid air cells (anterior and posterior) Honeycomb structure between eyes Middle turbinate turns at the back of the nose to attach to the lateral nasal wall This turn is called the ground lamella Anterior to this is the anterior ethmoid which drains into the middle meatus Posterior to this is the posterior ethmoids which drains into the superior meatus Clinical relevance is that infections spreads to orbit causing periorbital/orbital cellulitis
77
Where are the frontal sinuses located?
Behind eyebrows Lateral to middle turbinate
78
What do the frontal sinuses drain and drain via?
frontonasal duct into hiatus semilunaris, within the middle meatus of the nasal cavity
79
Where are the maxillary sinuses located?
Behind each cheek
80
What do the maxillary sinuses drain via?
Drains via middle meatus
81
What does the sphenoid sinus drain via?
Drains via the sphenoethmoidal recess
82
What structures are found around the sphenoid sinus?
Optic nerve runs above it Internal carotids either side Pituitary is posterior This is why severe sinusitis can cause neurological problems
83
Where are the ethmoid air cells?
Honeycomb structure between eyes
84
What is the ground lamella?
Middle turbinate turns at the back of the nose to attach to the lateral nasal wall This turn is called the ground lamella Anterior to this is the anterior ethmoid which drains into the middle meatus Posterior to this is the posterior ethmoids which drains into the superior meatus
85
What does the anterior and posterior ethmoid air cells drain via?
Anterior to this is the anterior ethmoid which drains into the middle meatus Posterior to this is the posterior ethmoids which drains into the superior meatus
86
What is the clinical relevence of the ethmoid air cells anatomy?
Clinical relevance is that infections spreads to orbit causing periorbital/orbital cellulitis
87
What sinuses drain via the following: middle meatus superior meatus sphenoethmoidal recess inferior meatus
Frontal, anterior ethmoids and maxillary Middle meatus Posterior ethmoids Superior meatus Sphenoid Sphenoethmoidal recess Nasolacrimal duct Inferior meatus
88
what is the frontal sinus sensation via?
Sensation via supraorbital nerve (branch of the ophthalmic nerve)
89
what is arteral supply of frontal sinuses via
anterior ethmoidal artery (a branch of the internal carotid)
90
what do sphenoid sinuses drain via?
spheno-ethmoidal recess, supero-posterior to the superior turbinate. Innervated by the posterior ethmoidal
91
what are sphenoid sinuses innervated by?
posterior ethmoidal nerve (a branch of the ophthalmic nerve)
92
what is the arterial supply of the sphenoid sinuses
sphenopalatine (branch of maxillary) and posterior ethmoidal artery (ICA)
93
when is trans-sphenoidl surgery performed?
Most often for pituitary adenoma Other central skull base tumours also possible Avoids transcranial approach Joint procedure with ENT (access & closure) and Neurosurgery (resection) Close proximity to internal carotid artery CSF leak requires repair
94
which sinus are the largest of the sinuses?
maxillary sinuses
95
what do the maxillary sinuses drain by?
Drain via ostia at hiatus semilunaris, underneath the frontal sinus opening
96
what are the maxillary sinuses innervated by?
Innervated by superior alveolar nerves and greater palatine nerve (branches of maxillary nerve)
97
what is the arterial supply of maxillary sinuses?
Arterial supply via branches of facial and maxillary arteries
98
describe the ethmoid sinuses?
2 ethmoidal sinuses/ group of air cells: Anterior – Opens into the hiatus semilunaris (middle meatus) via ethmoid bulla Posterior – Opens into the lateral wall of the superior meatus Innervated by anterior and posterior ethmoidal branches of the nasociliary nerve (from ophthalmic nerve) and the maxillary nerve. Arterial supply via anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries
99
what is Orbital cellulitis
cute spread of infection from ethmoid or frontal sinuses Differentiate from pre-septal cellulitis (different causes) by clinical signs: Proptosis, chemosis Ophthalmoplegia Painful eye movements Decreased visual acuity/ loss of colour vision (red first) Requires IV antibiotics, nasal decongestants, CT scan +/- surgical drainage
100
what is sinus drainage via?
Sphenoid via spheno-ethmoidal recess Posterior ethmoid via lateral wall of the superior meatus Anterior ethmoid, frontal, and maxillary via ostiomeatal complex in middle meatus: Narrow passageway, prone to blockage 🡪 sinusitis Nasolacrimal duct opens into inferior meatus
101
what is sinusitis?
Inflammation of lining of sinuses Acute (<3 months) – usually viral Chronic (>3 months) – with our without polyposis Nasal obstruction Chronic nasal discharge Affect on smell Static mucus can get infected
102
what is post nasal space
area posterior to nasal choanae, extending down to soft palate Contents: Adenoids and tubal tonsils – lymphoid tissue, make up part of Waldayer’s ring Eustachian tube opening Enlarged adenoids or other post nasal space mass can obstruct eustachian tubes Glue ear – may require adenoidectomy and insertion of grommets Unilateral in adults may be sign of nasopharyngeal mass (Fossa of Rosenmuller)

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