Studies on the Structure and Function of the Anterior Section of the Nose by Means of Luminal Impressions

Abstract

The method introduced by Legler to obtain impressions of the anterior section of the nose has proved to be extremely valuable as far as the obtaining of information is concerned. The form and structure of the vestibulum and the anterior section of the cavum can be described more exactly than previously. From this emerged a new boundary between the vestibulum and the cavum, the anatomical ostium internum. The anterior section of the nose has three important transverse areas: the external nostril, the anatomical internal nostril and the isthmus nasi. The anatomical internal nostril determines in particular the direction of the air-flow through the cavum. The main function of the isthmus nasi is the formation of resistance. The main resistance-regulating effect is not found in what Mink defined as the nasal valve. Excursions of the soft parts situated below the cartilago triangularis in the incisura nasalis of the apertura piriformis are considerably more important. The particular form of the vestibulum cannot be directly compared to a funnel. Correspondingly, in investigations carried out on a cadaver's nose using a rhinomanometer, it could not be shown that the vestibulum had a resistance-reducing effect.