Nasal vestibule
The nasal vestibule (Vestibulum nasi) is located beneath the alae of the nose and represents the transitional zone from skin to mucous membrane.
- Wall: structurally identical to skin.
- Epithelium: keratinized stratified squamous.
- Connective tissue: contains sebaceous glands and hair follicles.
- Support: cartilage of the alae or nasal septum lies beneath the skin.
Nasal cavity proper
The nasal cavity proper (Cavitas nasi propria) is lined with mucous membrane. The epithelium here changes to pseudostratified ciliated (respiratory). The submucosa is absent; the mucosa is tightly fused with the periosteum or perichondrium (forming a mucoperiosteum).
The lamina propria of the mucosa (Lamina propria) contains loose fibrous connective tissue rich in elastic fibers and immune cells (plasma cells, mast cells). Alveolar-tubular mucous glands are also located here.
Cells of the respiratory region
The respiratory region is located at the level of the inferior and middle nasal conchae. The pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium consists of five main cell types:
- Ciliated cells: span the entire layer from the basement membrane to the lumen. They possess up to 250 cilia (3–5 µm high) on their apical surface. Ciliary beating (10–20 Hz) ensures mucociliary clearance.
- Goblet cells: unicellular glands synthesizing mucus (rich in glycosaminoglycans).
- Microvillar cells: perform absorption and chemoreception functions.
- Basal (short intercalated) cells: rest on the basement membrane and serve as stem/progenitor elements for regeneration.
- Langerhans cells: tissue macrophages performing antigen-presenting functions.
Olfactory region and vascularization
The olfactory region (Regio olfactoria) is localized at the level of the superior nasal conchae. The most critical element of this zone is the olfactory receptor cells, whose axons proceed directly into the brain (to the olfactory bulb).
Vascularization of the nasal cavity has distinct features. Cavernous plexuses—true arteriovenous anastomoses—are present in the mucosa. When they open, blood fills the caverns while bypassing capillaries, leading to marked mucosal swelling. Clinically, this manifests as nasal congestion.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
Which cell types form the epithelium of the olfactory region of the nasal cavity?
The epithelium of the olfactory region of the nasal cavity is represented by a specialized pseudostratified epithelium containing three main cell types.
- Olfactory neurosensory cells (cellulae neurosensoriales olfactoriae) are bipolar neurons that apically form olfactory vesicles with cilia and basally give rise to processes forming nerve fibers.
- Supporting cells (cellulae sustentaculares) perform supportive and trophic functions, participate in the detoxification of odorants, and possess numerous microvilli on their apical surface.
- Basal cells (cellulae basales) are located near the basement membrane, represent poorly differentiated elements, and serve as the source of regeneration for the olfactory epithelium.
Which glands are characteristic of the olfactory region of the nasal cavity?
The olfactory region of the nasal cavity is characterized by a glandular apparatus associated with mucus secretion.
- Seromucous glands are located in the underlying connective tissue; their secretion covers the surface of the olfactory epithelium.
- In histological sections of loose fibrous connective tissue, the terminal portions of tubo-alveolar glands containing secretory and myoepithelial cells are identified.
- Sources also mention olfactory (Bowman's) glands situated among the supporting cells.
Goblet cells are absent in the olfactory epithelium; therefore, mucus secretion is performed by glands rather than goblet cells.
Class and exam questions
Is there a submucosa in the nasal cavity?
No, the submucosa is absent. The mucosa is tightly fused with the perichondrium or periosteum, forming a mucoperiosteum.
Which cells ensure mucociliary clearance?
Mucociliary clearance is ensured by the coordinated action of ciliated cells (ciliary beating) and goblet cells (mucus production).
Why does nasal congestion occur?
Congestion occurs due to the engorgement of cavernous plexuses (arteriovenous anastomoses), causing mucosal edema and occlusion of the nasal passages.
What else to study on this topic
- Structural features of the paranasal sinuses and pathogenesis of sinusitis
- Long intercalated cells as transitional forms of epithelial differentiation
- Histology of the larynx: epithelial types and laryngeal tonsils
- Ultrastructural organization of cilia (axoneme, dynein arms)
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