nasal_fossa [Neurosurgery Wiki]

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.

The term "nasal fossa" refers to the anatomical space or cavity within the nose. It is a part of the [[nasal cavity]], which is the large, air-filled space behind the nose that extends from the nostrils to the back of the throat. The nasal fossae are divided into two halves by the nasal septum, which is a partition made of bone and cartilage.

Each nasal fossa contains various structures, including the nasal conchae (also called turbinates), which are bony projections that help increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, and the nasal meatuses, which are the passages between the conchae.

The nasal fossae play a crucial role in respiratory function and olfaction (sense of smell). They are lined with a mucous membrane that helps humidify and filter the air we breathe, trapping dust and other particles. Additionally, the nasal fossae house the olfactory epithelium, which contains the sensory receptors responsible for detecting odors.

When there is a reference to a "mass in the nasal fossa," it typically indicates the presence of an abnormal growth or lesion within this anatomical space. Such conditions may require further investigation, diagnosis, and appropriate medical management.