Final answer:
The nasal cavity extends from the nostrils to the internal nares, and it contains curved bony plates known as nasal conchae, which are crucial for warming and filtering inhaled air.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nasal cavity is oblong-shaped, and it extends from the nostrils to paired openings called the internal nares. The nostrils, also called nares, allow air to enter the nasal cavity, which is a key part of the respiratory system. Inside the nasal cavity, there are curved bony plates called nasal conchae, specifically the inferior, middle, and superior conchae, that increase the nasal cavity's surface area and help in warming and filtering the air we breathe. The nasal septum divides the nasal cavity into left and right parts, and each part contains the three nasal conchae. When air enters through the nostrils, it is directed over these conchae and through the meatuses, which are recesses attached to the conchae. This way, the nasal cavity plays a crucial role in respiratory function by preparing the inhaled air for the lungs.