Kribriformisen

Kribriformisen is a term used in anatomy to describe a type of nasal cavity structure. The kribriformines refer to a particular grouping of bones in the nasal passage, specifically the cribriform plate, a thin, fragile structure that separates the nasal cavity from the cranial cavity.

The cribriform plate, a part of the ethmoid bone, is a spongy, pneumatic bone that is composed of thin, porous plates. It forms the roof of the nasal cavity and contains numerous small foramina (openings) that transmit the olfactory nerves, which carry sensory information related to the sense of smell. These foramina allow the olfactory nerves to enter the cranial cavity, where they connect with the olfactory bulb in the forebrain.

The term kribriformisen is sometimes used interchangeably with cribriform plate, although it is more a descriptive term that highlights the cribriform plate's unique texture and function. The term may have originated from the Greek words "kribrar," meaning "to sift," and "formis," referring to the plate's spongy, sieve-like structure.

The cribriform plate is a critical structure in the nasal cavity, responsible for facilitating the transmission of olfactory signals from the nasal mucosa to the brain. Damage to the cribriform plate can result in the loss of the sense of smell or other complications related to the nasal cavity. Surgical removal or damage to the cribriform plate can result in postoperative complications and anosmia (the loss of the sense of smell).