Final answer:
Nasal "prongs" are more formally known as a nasal cannula, a device used to deliver oxygen to a patient's lungs. The nasal cavity, with its conchae and meatuses, has the biological function to prepare incoming air for the lungs, which the nasal cannula supports in a medical context.
Step-by-step explanation:
Another name for nasal "prongs" is nasal cannula. This is a medical device consisting of a lightweight tube with two prongs that are designed to fit into a patient's nostrils. It's used to deliver supplemental oxygen or increased airflow to a patient in need of respiratory help, and is commonly seen in hospitals and clinics as well as home healthcare settings. The nasal area, comprised of the nasal cavity, nasal conchae, and associated passages like the meatuses, plays a critical role in warming, moistening, and filtering the air we breathe before it reaches the lungs.
The structure of the nasal cavity is complex, designed to optimize the conditioning of inhaled air. Air enters through the nares and moves into the nasal cavity, which is divided by the nasal septum. Small bony projections called conchae expand the surface area to expose the air to more mucous membrane, aiding in the air's conditioning process. The adjacent paranasal sinuses also contribute to the humidification and temperature control of the air. The use of a nasal cannula capitalizes on the natural functions of the nasal structures by providing a direct and comfortable method of enhancing respiratory function for patients requiring medical assistance with breathing.