Deck 13: Nose, Mouth, and Throat

Question 1

Name the functions of the nose.

Answer 1

The nose, the first segment of the respiratory system, warms, moistens, and filters inhaled air. It is also the sensory organ of smell, and it is innervated by cranial nerve I.

Question 2

List the anatomic landmarks of the external nose.

Answer 2

The external nose, shaped like a triangle, consists of the bridge or superior part; the free corner or the tip; the nares, which are the openings at the base of the triangle; and (inside the nares) a vestibule, the columella that divides the two nares and is continuous inside with the nasal septum; and the ala, the lateral outside wing of the nose on each side.

Question 3

Describe the nasal cavity.

Answer 3

The nasal cavity extends back over the roof of the mouth. The anterior edge is lined with coarse nasal hairs that filter the coarsest matter from inhaled air. The remainder of the cavity is lined with ciliated mucous membrane that filters out dust and bacteria. Because of its rich blood supply, the nasal mucosa appears redder than the oral mucosa. The increased blood supply warms inhaled air. Kiesselbach's plexus is located in the anterior part of the septum, which divides the nasal cavity into two air passages. Kiesselbach's plexus is the most common site of nosebleeds. The superior, middle, and inferior turbinates increase the surface area of the nose so that more blood vessels and mucous membrane are available to warm, humidify, and filter the inhaled air. Under each turbinate is a cleft, the meatus, named for the turbinate above. The sinuses drain into the middle meatus and tears from the nasolacrimal duct drain into the inferior meatus.

Question 4

Name the paranasal sinuses and their functions.

Question 5

Identify the structures of the oral cavity.

Question 6

List the functions of the mouth.

Question 7

Identify the effects of some of the age-related changes that take place in the mouth.

Question 8

Incorporate health promotion concepts when performing an assessment of the nose, mouth, and throat.