nenäkäytävistä

Nenäkäytävät, known in English as nasal passages, are the hollow spaces within the nose that serve as the initial part of the respiratory system. These passages are lined with a mucous membrane that produces mucus, a sticky substance that traps dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants. Tiny, hair-like structures called cilia then sweep the mucus and trapped particles towards the throat, where they can be swallowed or expelled.

The primary functions of the nenäkäytävät are to warm, humidify, and filter inhaled air before it reaches the lungs. This process is crucial for protecting the delicate tissues of the respiratory tract from damage caused by cold, dry, or contaminated air. The nenäkäytävät also play a role in the sense of smell, as olfactory receptors are located within the nasal cavity.

Several conditions can affect the nenäkäytävät. Nasal congestion, often caused by colds, allergies, or sinusitis, occurs when the mucous membranes swell, obstructing airflow. Deviated septums, where the wall between the nostrils is not straight, can also impede breathing. Nasal polyps, non-cancerous growths in the lining of the nasal passages, can also cause blockages and affect smell. Maintaining the health of the nenäkäytävät is important for overall respiratory well-being.