[Experimental study of airflow in the main nasal cavity of the human using a nose model]

Airflow patterns of nasal cavities in a human nasal fossa model were examined in this study. Our 1:1 model of the whole nose (both nasal fossae were moulded) gives a good insight into all parts of the nasal cavities. Staining of flow paths visualised that the main stream of air flow passes through the inferior nasal duct in inspiration and expiration. All regions of the nasal fossa were reached by fluid movements and could be marked with staining solution. Under static conditions laminar flow without turbulent profiles was seen in all sections of the nasal cavities. This technique of detection of flow characteristics in the nasal cavities provides a good tool for further research on flow and deposition characteristics of aerosols.