AERODYNAMICS OF NASAL CAVITY AND ACCESSORY SINUSES OF THE NOSE

Abstract

The aim of the investigation is to study aerodynamics of nasal cavity and accessory sinuses of the nose. The article is concerned with original researches, which are devoted to aerodynamics of nasal cavity and accessory sinuses of the nose. It has been determined that at normal structure of nasal valve and normal position of nasal septum and nasal concha the main volume of inspired air passes through the general nasal passage along the middle nasal cavity. Firstly, airflow has turbulent character and, after nasal valve passing has laminar flow. Nasal valve plays an important role in aerodynamics of nasal cavity, and centrifunginal force which occurs in it and leads to sedimentation of foreign particles and microorganisms on the mucous membrane of anterior regions. Different types of deflected nasal septum also affect both aerodynamics of nasal cavity and aeration of accessory sinuses of the nose. In particular, rugae, like airplane wing both during expiration and inspiration can lead to hyperventilation of the middle nasal passage and it causes increased load of respiratory epithelial clearance of ostiomeatal complex and also congestion of secretion of anterior group of accessory sinuses of the nose. In such cases, polypoid hypertrophy of mucous membrane of ostiomeatal structures can occur. Considering literature analysis and own researches, it can be concluded that endoscopic correction of endonasal structures can change aerodynamics of nasal cavity and also accessory sinuses of the nose. The main principle and the most optimal result of this procedure contain elimination of any obstructions of air flow in the nasal cavity. At same time, it is necessary to consider that excessive removal of physiological structures of the nasal cavity, especially when they are covered with permanent mucous membrane, causes the destruction of aerodynamics of accessory sinuses of the nose. So, during surgery or surgical planning, a rhinosurgeon must eliminate the cause of airflow resistance and also preserve aerodynamics of accessory of sinuses of the nose.

Keywords

• aerodynamics
• nasal cavity
• accessory sinuses of the nose
• endonasal structures