NOSE AND PARANASAL SINUS ANATOMY

NOSE AND PARANASAL SINUS ANATOMY

Definition

• The nose is a passage for air to enter and leave the body through the nostrils.
• Paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the bones of the face.

Anatomy

• External Nose

  • The external nose is composed of the bridge, tip, and nostrils.
  • The bridge is formed by the nasal bones and the maxillae.
  • The tip is formed by the soft tissues of the nose.
  • The nostrils are the openings of the nasal cavity.

• Internal Nose

  • The nasal cavity is divided into two passages by the nasal septum.
  • The nasal passages contain the superior, middle, and inferior nasal conchae.
  • The nasal conchae are bony projections that help to warm, humidify, and filter the air we breathe.

• Paranasal Sinuses

  • There are four pairs of paranasal sinuses:
    1. Frontal sinuses
    2. Maxillary sinuses
    3. Ethmoid sinuses
    4. Sphenoid sinuses
  • The paranasal sinuses are located in the bones of the face and help to lighten the head.

Functions

• The nose and paranasal sinuses have several functions:
  • To warm, humidify, and filter the air we breathe.
  • To produce mucus, which helps to trap dust and other particles.
  • To aid in the production of speech and other sounds.

Blood Supply

• The nose and paranasal sinuses are supplied by the following arteries:
  • Nasal septal branch of the sphenopalatine artery
  • Anterior ethmoidal artery
  • Posterior ethmoidal artery
  • Superior and inferior nasal branches of the maxillary artery

Nerve Supply

• The nose and paranasal sinuses are innervated by the following nerves:
  • Olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I)
  • Nasopalatine nerve
  • Posterior ethmoidal nerve
  • Sphenopalatine ganglion

Clinical Anatomy

• The nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses can be accessed through the nostrils and the nasal septum.
• The anterior nares are the openings of the nasal cavity.
• The posterior nares are the openings of the nasopharynx.

CASE TAKING IN DISEASES OF NOSE AND PARANASAL SINUSES

• History

  • The patient's symptoms, such as nasal congestion, discharge, or bleeding.
  • The duration and severity of the symptoms.
  • Any allergies or sensitivities.
  • Previous treatments or surgeries.

• Examination

  • Visual inspection of the nose and nasal cavity.
  • Anterior rhinoscopy to examine the nasal septum and turbinates.
  • Posterior rhinoscopy to examine the nasopharynx and adenoids.
  • Paranasal sinus examination to assess for any abnormalities.

EXAMINATION OF NOSE

• Anterior Rhinoscopy

  • A nasal speculum is inserted into the nostril to examine the nasal septum and turbinates.
  • The nasal septum and turbinates are inspected for any abnormalities.

• Posterior Rhinoscopy

  • A nasal speculum is inserted into the posterior nares to examine the nasopharynx and adenoids.
  • The nasopharynx and adenoids are inspected for any abnormalities.

• Paranasal Sinus Examination

  • A nasal speculum is inserted into the nasal cavity to examine the paranasal sinuses.
  • The paranasal sinuses are inspected for any abnormalities.

HOMOEOPATHIC THERAPEUTIC MEDICINES

• For Nasal Congestion

  • Aconite 6C
  • Allium cepa 6C
  • Eucalyptus 6C

• For Nasal Discharge

  • Pulsatilla 6C
  • Sanguinaria 6C
  • Silica 6C

• For Nasal Bleeding

  • Aconite 6C
  • Caulophyllum 6C
  • Hamamelis 6C