Respiratory assessment: clinical handbook

Nose is the first of respiratory organs. It consists of external openings called nostrils. These lead into two nasal cavities which are separated by the nasal septum. It is lined with very vascular ciliated mucous membrane. It is the organ of the sense of smell because the upper section contains the olfactory nerve ending. The inspired air through nose is warmed by blood capillaries, moistened by mucous membrane and filtered by cilia. Sinuses are located in the Frontal, Maxillary, Sphenoid, Ethmoid bone surround nasal cavity. The primary function is to light the weight of the skull and promote vocal resonance.