Nenäkäytävien

Nenäkäytävät, also known as nasal meatuses, are passages within the nasal cavity that are crucial for the respiratory system. They are formed by the turbinates, which are bony projections covered in mucous membrane. The three main nenäkäytävät are the superior, middle, and inferior meatuses. Each meatus serves a specific function in conditioning inhaled air.

The inferior nenäkäytävä is the largest and is responsible for warming and humidifying inhaled air. It receives the opening of the nasolacrimal duct, which drains tears from the eyes into the nasal cavity, helping to keep the nasal passages moist. The middle nenäkäytävä is smaller and is where the openings of the paranasal sinuses (frontal, maxillary, and anterior ethmoid sinuses) are located. This arrangement allows for drainage of mucus from the sinuses into the nasal cavity. The superior nenäkäytävä is the smallest and highest of the meatuses. It receives the openings of the posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, facilitating their drainage.

The nenäkäytävät significantly increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, which is essential for efficient air conditioning. As air passes through these passages, it is warmed to body temperature, humidified, and filtered of particulate matter by the mucus lining and cilia. This process protects the delicate tissues of the lungs from cold, dry, or contaminated air, reducing the risk of infection and irritation. Inflammation of the nenäkäytävät, often associated with conditions like rhinitis or sinusitis, can impair these functions, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, and difficulty breathing through the nose.