NASAL FOSSAE Meaning and
Definition
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Nasal fossae refer to the paired concave spaces within the skull that are situated on either side of the nasal septum. These fossae are an essential anatomical component of the respiratory system and play a crucial role in the process of breathing.
The nasal fossae are bordered by various structures, including the nasal bones, maxilla, ethmoid bone, and palatine bones. The upper part of each nasal fossa is comprised of a series of bony projections called conchae, which help to increase the surface area of the nasal cavity. The fossae are separated from one another by the nasal septum.
Within the nasal fossae, numerous anatomical features facilitate the functions of air filtration, humidification, and olfaction. Lining the walls of the nasal fossae is a specialized membrane known as the nasal mucosa, which is rich in blood vessels. This mucosa helps in filtering and humidifying the inhaled air, as well as in capturing dust particles, allergens, and pathogens.
The nasal fossae also house the olfactory epithelium, which contains specialized odor-sensing cells known as olfactory receptors. These receptors enable the sense of smell by detecting various volatile compounds present in the inhaled air and sending signals to the brain for interpretation.
In summary, nasal fossae are the concave spaces within the skull that are responsible for various functions of the respiratory system, including air filtration, humidification, and olfaction. They serve as a vital passageway for inhaled air and play a crucial role in maintaining respiratory health.
Common Misspellings for NASAL FOSSAE
- basal fossae
- masal fossae
- jasal fossae
- hasal fossae
- nzsal fossae
- nssal fossae
- nwsal fossae
- nqsal fossae
- naaal fossae
- nazal fossae
- naxal fossae
- nadal fossae
- naeal fossae
- nawal fossae
- naszl fossae
- nassl fossae
- naswl fossae
- nasql fossae
- nasak fossae
- nasap fossae
Etymology of NASAL FOSSAE
The word "nasal" comes from the Latin word "nasus", which means "nose". The word "fossae" is the plural form of "fossa", which comes from the Latin word "fodere", meaning "to dig". Therefore, "nasal fossae" can be translated as "nose diggings" or "nose excavations". It refers to the paired cavities in the skull known as the nasal cavities, located behind the nose.
