Importance of maintaining normal nasal function in the cleft palate patient

The external nose is a structure that provides prominence to the face. The internal nose is a paired nasal cavity that extends from the face to the pharynx. Turbinates are major structures within the lateral walls of the nose. They perform the major functions of the nose that include respiration, humidification, temperature regulation, and filtration of the inspired air. Conditions that obstruct the nose interfere with its optimal function. These range from acute or chronic infection to enlarged tonsils and adenoid tissue to nasal septal deviation. Surgeons caring for patients with clefts must have familiarity with nasal anatomy and function and conditions that alter them. Correction of these conditions may require medical and/or surgical treatment.