ABSTRACT
Routine upper airway examination usually consists of inspection of the anterior nares with an otoscope or nasal speculum and examination of the pharynx with a tongue depressor. The flexible fiberoptic rhinoscope makes upper airway examination a simple and convenient procedure, permitting comprehensive evaluation of the upper airway. The performance of fiberoptic rhinolaryngoscopy requires a basic understanding of relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology, and relatively frequent use of the endoscope. The septum divides the nasal cavity into right and left chambers. The nasal vestibule is the most anterior and inferior portion of the nasal cavity. Three or four turbinates provide filtration, heating and cooling and humidification of inspired air and offer resistance to air flow. The space created by a turbinate and the lateral wall of the nose is called a meatus. The superior turbinate is a short, oblique structure located superior and posterior to the middle turbinate. The posterior ethmoid sinuses drain into the superior meatus.
