The spelling of the word "choana" may seem perplexing, but it can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription. In IPA, "ch" is pronounced as /tʃ/ and "oa" is pronounced as /oʊ/. Therefore, "choana" is pronounced as /kəʊˈeɪnə/ with the stress on the second syllable. "Choana" is a term used in anatomy, referring to the internal openings of the nasal cavity found in vertebrates. With the knowledge of its pronunciation, "choana" can be easily incorporated into one's lexicon.
A choana, in biological terms, refers to a specific anatomical structure found in certain species, typically related to respiration and sensory perception. It is commonly observed in various organisms, including humans, birds, reptiles, and several types of amphibians.
Specifically, in humans, the term "choana" refers to the posterior nasal aperture, which is the opening at the back of the nasal cavity that leads into the nasopharynx. This aperture serves as a passageway for the exchange of air between the nasal cavity and the throat. Additionally, choanae play a crucial role in the olfactory system, allowing smells and odors to be detected by the sensory cells in the nasal cavity.
In non-human vertebrates, the term "choana" is often used to describe specific structures related to respiration. For example, in birds and reptiles, choanae are external nasal openings located on the roof of the mouth, behind the hard and soft palate. They enable these animals to breathe while their mouths are closed during feeding, swimming, or diving. In frogs and some other amphibians, choanae refer to the internal nasal openings that connect the nasal cavity with the oral cavity, allowing them to breathe effectively when submerged in water.
Ultimately, the term "choana" pertains to the respective structures associated with respiratory function and sensory perception in various organisms, facilitating essential physiological processes.
An infundibulum; specifically posterior naris, the opening into the nasopharynx of the nasal fossa on either side.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "choana" is derived from the Greek word "choane" (χοάνη), which means "funnel". This term originally referred to the opening or passage through which air enters the nasal cavity from behind the oral cavity. The word "choane" itself comes from the Greek verb "chonos" (χοάνη), meaning "I pour out" or "pour into".
The term "choana" is commonly used in various scientific disciplines, particularly in anatomy and biology, to describe specific structures or openings, such as the internal nares or the posterior nasal apertures.