A Comparative Study of the Anatomy and Functional Morphology of the Mammalian Nasal Cavity
Open Access
- Author:
- Quigley, Andrew Patrick
- Area of Honors:
- Bioengineering
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Brent A Craven, Thesis Supervisor
Michael H Krane, Thesis Supervisor
Sheereen Majd, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- mammal
nasal airway
three-dimensional anatomy
reconstruction
morphometry
magnetic resonance imaging
olfaction
respiration - Abstract:
- The mammalian nasal cavity is an intricate anatomical structure with a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and functional roles. The elaborate nasal passages assist in presenting a convoluted, serpentine route for airflow during inhalation. As inspired air travels through the airway, a large surface area serves multiple functions such as respiratory air conditioning, filtering of contaminants, olfaction, and conservation of heat and water. Until recently, the anatomy and functional morphology of the mammalian nasal cavity were not well known. However, recent technological advances are leading to a better understanding of mammalian nasal form and function. Of the previous anatomical and morphological studies of the mammalian nasal cavity, none have included a quantitative comparative study of different species. Despite general parallels in nasal anatomy amongst most mammalian species, significant structural differences do exist. Here, we present a qualitative and quantitative comparative study of nasal anatomy and functional morphology across three orders of the class Mammalia (Carnivora, Rodentia, Ungulata). Species in this study include the house mouse (Mus musculus), eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), sea otter (Enhydra lutris), bobcat (Lynx rufus), coyote (Canis latrans), domestic dog (Canis familiaris), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We present airway cross-sections, three-dimensional anatomical reconstructions of the nasal passages, and a comparative morphometric analysis that quantitatively describes airway size and shape in each specimen. Finally, the implications of these data regarding respiratory and olfactory function are considered.