Limen nasi is a medical term used to describe the anatomical structure that separates the nasal cavity from the cranial cavity. The spelling of this term is based on the Latin language and is pronounced /ˈlaɪmɛn ˈnæsi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first part "limen" is pronounced with a long "i" sound followed by a short "e" sound and the stress on the first syllable. The second part "nasi" is pronounced with a short "a" sound and the stress on the second syllable.
Limen nasi refers to a Latin term that translates to "the threshold of the nose" in English. It is a phrase commonly used in the medical field to denote the boundary or entrance point of the nasal cavity.
The limen nasi is an anatomical landmark situated at the anterior (front) part of the nasal cavity. It specifically refers to the junction between the nasal vestibule and the rest of the nasal cavity. This boundary is typically demarcated by the presence of the nares or nostrils, where air enters the nasal passage during inhalation and exhalation.
The limen nasi serves as an important site for various functions related to the nose and respiratory system. Its position enables it to act as an initial filter for the incoming air, where it traps larger particles and plays a role in the humidification and warming of the inhaled air. It also marks the starting point of the olfactory region, where specialized cells responsible for the sense of smell are located.
Understanding the limen nasi is crucial for medical professionals such as otolaryngologists or ear, nose, and throat specialists, as it helps in the diagnosis and treatment of nasal conditions. It is also relevant in rhinoplasty procedures, where surgeons may manipulate this threshold during nasal surgery.
In summary, the limen nasi refers to the threshold of the nose, marking the partition between the nasal vestibule and the rest of the nasal cavity. It serves as an essential landmark for respiratory functions and plays a role in smell perception.
A ridge marking the boundary between the nasal cavity proper and the vestibule.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term limen nasi comes from Latin. Limen means threshold or border, while nasi is the genitive form of nasus, meaning nose. Therefore, limen nasi can be translated as threshold of the nose.