Aerodynamics and mucociliary function of upper airways.
The anatomical shape of the nasal cavities is of great importance for the air conditioning capacity of the upper respiratory tract. It means that the size of the anterior and posterior opening allows an adequate degree of turbulent air stream. A specific vascular system of the mucosa is responsible for temperature regulation of the inspired air. The humidification capacity is regulated actively by production of secretions and passively by condensation of water vapour on the mucosa during expiration and evaporation during the following inspiration due to temperature difference. The mucociliary activity of the nose is one of the most important defense mechanisms of the entire respiratory tract. The efficiency of the mucosal clearance is due to different internal and external influences. The effect of various environmental factors will be mentioned as well as expected consequences of the modern trend to use drugs for nasal application.
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D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000009:adverse effects; D001692:Biological Transport; D002923:Cilia / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009093:Mucus / Q000378:metabolism*; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000009:adverse effects; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000502:physiology; D010587:Phagocytosis; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D012039:Regional Blood Flow
D000393:Air Pollutants; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D014663:Nasal Decongestants; D010100:Oxygen