Sechenov School
Home › Histology › Nasal Cavity Histology

Nasal Cavity Histology

*Cavitas nasi*

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

The nasal cavity is anatomically divided into the vestibule and the nasal cavity proper. Its histological structure transitions from keratinized stratified squamous epithelium to a specialized mucosa responsible for air filtration, warming, and olfaction.

SubmucosaAbsent in the nasal cavity proper (the mucosa is fused directly with the periosteum or perichondrium).
Main EpitheliumPseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium (respiratory epithelium).
RegenerationComplete epithelial turnover occurs every 50–100 days.
CleansingMucociliary clearance is driven by ciliated and goblet cells.

Nasal Vestibule

The nasal vestibule (Vestibulum nasi) is located beneath the nares and serves as the transition zone between external skin and the internal mucosa.

Nasal Cavity Proper

The nasal cavity proper (Cavitas nasi propria) is lined by a mucous membrane. The epithelium transitions here into pseudostratified ciliated columnar (respiratory) epithelium. A submucosa is absent; the lamina propria is tightly fused with the periosteum or perichondrium, forming a mucoperiosteum.

The lamina propria consists of loose connective tissue rich in elastic fibers and immune cells (plasma cells, mast cells). Alveolartubular mucous glands are also located here.

Cells of the Respiratory Region

The respiratory region is located along the inferior and middle nasal conchae. The pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium comprises five major cell types:

  1. Ciliated cells: Span the entire layer from the basement membrane to the lumen. Their apical surface bears up to 250 cilia (3–5 µm long). Synchronized ciliary beating (10–20 Hz) drives mucociliary clearance.
  2. Goblet cells: Unicellular glands that synthesize mucus rich in glycosaminoglycans.
  3. Microvillar (brush) cells: Perform absorption and chemosensory functions.
  4. Basal (short intercalated) cells: Stem cells resting on the basement membrane that drive epithelial regeneration.
  5. Langerhans cells: Tissue macrophages that act as antigen-presenting cells.

Olfactory Region and Vascularization

The olfactory region (Regio olfactoria) is located in the superior nasal conchae. The key components of this zone are olfactory receptor neurons, whose axons project directly into the central nervous system (olfactory bulb).

Vascularization of the nasal cavity has unique features. The mucosa contains cavernous plexuses consisting of true arteriovenous anastomoses. When these open, blood fills the caverns while bypassing capillaries, causing rapid mucosal swelling. Clinically, this manifests as nasal congestion.

Frequently asked questions

What cell types form the epithelium of the olfactory region?

The epithelium of the olfactory region is specialized pseudostratified epithelium containing three main cell types:

  • Olfactory receptor neurons (cellulae neurosensoriales olfactoriae) — bipolar neurons whose apical ends form olfactory vesicles with cilia, while their basal processes form nerve fibers.
  • Sustentacular (supporting) cells (cellulae sustentaculares) — provide structural and trophic support, participate in odorant detoxification, and bear numerous microvilli on their apical surface.
  • Basal cells (cellulae basales) — located near the basement membrane, serving as stem cells for the regeneration of the olfactory epithelium.
What glands are characteristic of the olfactory region?

The olfactory region features a glandular apparatus dedicated to mucus secretion:

  • Seromucous glands are located in the underlying connective tissue, and their secretions coat the olfactory epithelium.
  • Histologically, the loose connective tissue reveals the terminal portions of tubuloalveolar glands containing secretory and myoepithelial cells.
  • Olfactory (Bowman's) glands are also situated among the supporting cells.

Goblet cells are absent from the olfactory epithelium, meaning mucus is produced exclusively by these specialized glands.

Is there a submucosa in the nasal cavity proper?

No, the submucosa is absent. The lamina propria is firmly fused with the underlying perichondrium or periosteum, forming a mucoperiosteum.

Which cells provide mucociliary clearance?

Mucociliary clearance is maintained by the coordinated action of ciliated cells (beating cilia) and goblet cells (producing the mucus blanket).

What causes nasal congestion?

Congestion results from the engorgement of cavernous mucosal plexuses (arteriovenous anastomoses), leading to localized edema and narrowing of the nasal passages.

Go deeper

More topics in Histology

External EarClassification of Veins: Histology and TypesHematopoietic OrgansAntigensHypothalamo-Hypophysial SystemDevelopment of the Digestive SystemEmbryonic Development of SkinNephronOvarian Function RegulationCytoplasmic InclusionsFunctions of the Cell NucleusUterine TubeHistology →