Chapter 23, Problem 1RAC

The nasal cavity
a. has openings, the paranasal sinuses.
b. has a vestibule. which contains the olfactory epithelium.
c. is connected to the pharynx by the nares.
d. has passageways called conchae.
e. lined with squamous epithelium. except for the vestibule.

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The nasal cavity is the most cephalic piece of the respiratory tract. It speaks with the outer condition utilizing the anterior apertures, nares, and the nasopharynx utilizing the posterior apertures, choanae. This cavity is isolated into two separate holes by the septum and kept patent by a bone and cartilaginous system. Every cavity comprises a rooftop, floor, medial wall, and lateral wall and having three regions; nasal vestibule, respiratory region, and olfactory region.

Answer to Problem 1RAC

The correct answer is option (a) has openings for the paranasal sinuses.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (a) has openings for the paranasal sinuses. In the respiratory system, the nasal cavity consists of several components in the entryways. The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities around the nose and skull and connected to the nasal cavity. So, the correct answer is option (e).

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (b) has a vestibule that contains the olfactory epithelium. The vestibule is the first part of the nasal cavity encircle by the cartilage. The vestibule of the nose is bound with skin, hair follicles, and a large number of sebaceous glands, but it is not a house of the olfactory epithelium. Hence, the given option is not correct.

Option (c) is connected to the pharynx by the nares. The nares are the exterior openings of the nasal cavity. The nasal cavity is connected to the pharynx by the choanae, not by the nares. Hence, the given option is not correct.

Option (d) has passageways called conchae. The conchae are not a pathway for a nasal cavity at all because conchae are a series of three bony ridges: inferior, middle, and superior. It is used to increase the surface area of the nasal cavity. Hence, the given option is not correct.

Option (e) is lined with squamous epithelium, except for the vestibule. The cartilages of the nose encircle the vestibule and are lined by the squamous epithelium of the skin. Hence, the given option is not correct.

Conclusion

The nasal cavity is surrounded by the facial bones that are air-filled spaces known as paranasal sinuses. The function of paranasal sinuses is to reduce the weight of the skull, to make mucus, and to affect voice quality.