Correlation of nasal morphology and respiratory function.

In order to investigate the fluid dynamic preconditions that guarantee a sufficient contact of air with nasal mucosa, we studied flow patterns in modified "Mink's boxes" and in nasal models. As a result, the nose can be divided into 1) a functional area, i.e. area of turbinates, 2) an inflow area, i.e. vestibulum, isthmus and anterior cavum and 3) an outflow area, i.e. posterior cavum, choanae and epipharynx. The vestibulum is shaped like and acts as a bend, redirecting air to the cavum, and as a nozzle, reducing turbulence. With its concavely curved shape, the isthmus facilitates equal distribution of air throughout the entire area of the turbinates. The anterior cavum acts as a diffuser, where turbulence increases and velocity decreases. In the slit-like space of the area of turbinates, the flow behavior is determined by flow dynamics in the inflow area. The structure elements of the outflow area are similar to those of the inflow area but lined up in an inverse order.