[Observations on the anatomy and physiology of the mammalian noses]

From the anatomical and flow dynamic point of view, the mammalian noses are strictly divided in a respiratory and olfactory area. In humans, the middle and the superior turbinate (ethmoturbinates) fulfill the respiratory and olfactory function. An intensive contact between breathing air and respiratory mucosa is the most important pre-condition for the respiratory function of the nose. In all investigated species this contact takes place in the functional area of the nose, i. e. the area of the turbinates. In humans, the area from the external nasal ostium up to the head of the inferior turbinate is called "inflow area". This part of the nose distributes the airflow over the complete nasal cross sectional area and generates turbulent flow. The inflow area in the human nose is an adaptation to the relatively increased nasal height during evolution.