[Physiology and surgery of the nose]

Abstract

Understanding the physiology of the normal nasal functions should prevent unnecessary surgery to the septum and turbinates. The most important function of the nose is the respiratory one. Respiration provides oxygen for metabolism and removes carbon dioxide from the body, and it is nose that modifies air so that it is ideal for this purpose. The nose performs three functions: humidification, heat transfer, and filtration. Because of its ability to transfer heat, the nose is very important not only in temperature regulation of the inspired air, but also for the thermal homeostasis of central nervous system. The air flow pattern and the dynamic changes in nasal resistance are significant for heat exchange, for reflexes initiated in the nose and for nasal neurovascular reflexes, therefore all the factors must be taken into account while performing surgery of the nose.