Anatomical Human Nasal Cavity Model

Quick Answer: An anatomical human nasal cavity model is a replica of the air space inside the nose, usually shown as a section through its side wall. Biology, nursing and medical classes use it to teach the nasal conchae and meatuses, the openings of the paranasal sinuses and how inhaled air is conditioned.

The Nasal Cavity from the Inside

Seen in section, the lateral wall of the nasal cavity carries three curled bony shelves, the superior, middle and inferior conchae, also called turbinates. Beneath each lies a passage called a meatus. These shelves greatly increase the area of mucous membrane and make the airflow turbulent, so inhaled air touches warm, moist lining before it reaches the pharynx.

Several openings drain into the meatuses, and a nasal cavity model is the clearest way to show them. The frontal, maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinuses drain into the middle meatus, the sphenoid sinus opens above the superior concha, and the nasolacrimal duct carrying tears empties into the inferior meatus, which is why crying makes the nose run. At the back, the cavity opens into the nasopharynx, where the opening of the auditory tube can be found.

The title does not state whether the model is life size or enlarged, which side it shows or how it is mounted, so those points should be checked when ordering. Nursing and paramedic courses use it before practising nasal swabs or passing a nasogastric tube along the floor of the cavity.

Specifications

Applications

• Teaching how the nose filters, warms and humidifies inspired air
• Explaining sinus drainage and why sinus infections cause facial pain and a blocked nose
• Preparing nursing students for nasal swabs and nasogastric tube insertion
• Relating the nasal cavity to the pharynx and larynx in respiratory system lessons

Care & Handling

• Hold the nasal cavity model by its mount or thickest edge; the thin conchae are fragile.
• Clean inside the curved passages with a soft, dry brush rather than a cloth.
• Keep the cut face covered or boxed when not in use so dust does not settle in the meatuses.

Why Choose LabEquip

Nursing schools, ENT teaching units and school biology departments buy this model because the internal anatomy of the nose is hidden and hard to draw. LabEquip lists it with other anatomy models, and the human larynx model continues the airway lesson below the pharynx. Use the contact page for questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the nasal conchae?

They are three curved shelves of bone covered in mucous membrane on each side wall of the nasal cavity. They increase surface area and make inhaled air swirl, so it is warmed, moistened and cleaned before it reaches the lungs.

Why does crying make your nose run?

Tears drain from the inner corner of each eye through the nasolacrimal duct, which opens into the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity. When tear production rises, the extra fluid flows into the nose.

Where do the paranasal sinuses drain?

The frontal, maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinuses drain into the middle meatus, under the middle concha. The posterior ethmoid cells drain into the superior meatus, and the sphenoid sinus opens into the sphenoethmoidal recess above it.

How does the nose clean the air?

Hairs in the vestibule trap large particles. Further in, sticky mucus catches dust and microbes, and cilia on the lining sweep the mucus back towards the pharynx, where it is swallowed.

Why is the nasal floor important for tube insertion?

The floor of the nasal cavity runs almost straight back to the nasopharynx, while the conchae crowd the upper part. A nasogastric tube or nasal airway is therefore passed along the floor, parallel to the palate, rather than upwards.

What is the nasopharynx?

It is the upper part of the throat, behind the nasal cavity and above the soft palate. In children the adenoids sit on its back wall, and the auditory tubes open on its sides, linking it to the middle ears.

Last Updated: September 2026