Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
Online
Get help How to study
English
Login Register
Anatomy
Basics
Terminology Introduction to the musculoskeletal system Introduction to the other systems
Upper limb
Overview Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Nerves and vessels
Lower limb
Overview Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Nerves and vessels
Spine and back
Overview Spine Back
Thorax
Thoracic wall Female breast Mediastinum Lungs Heart
Abdomen
Abdominal wall Peritoneum Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys and ureters Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomen
Pelvis and perineum
Pelvic girdle and floor Female pelvis and reproductive organs Male pelvis and reproductive organs Urinary bladder and urethra Perineum Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvis
Head and neck
Overview Skull Face and scalp Infratemporal region and pterygopalatine fossa Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Oral cavity Teeth Pharynx Neck
Neuroanatomy
Overview Cerebrum Diencephalon Cerebellum Brainstem Meninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Blood supply of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper limb Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower limb
Radiological anatomy
Head and neck Thorax Abdomen and pelvis Upper limb Lower limb
Histology
Types of tissues
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Cartilage and bone Muscle tissue Nervous tissue
Body systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Respiratory system Urinary system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphoid system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system Eye and ear
AnatomyHead and neckNasal regionChoana
Table of contents
Ready to learn?
Pick your favorite study tool

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!

AnatomyHead and neckNasal regionChoana

Choana

Author: Ruvimbo Chiswo, MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: March 13, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Medial wall of the nasal cavity [08:20]
Bones, cartilages and mucosa of the medial wall of the nasal cavity.
Choana
1/6
Synonyms: Posterior nasal aperture

The choanae are oval-shaped openings that lie between the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx. The choanae are rigid openings that are completely surrounded by bone. They serve as an outflow from the nasopharynx into the mouth and throat.

Inferiorly, the choanae are bound by the posterior edge of the horizontal plate of the palatine bone. On the lateral aspect, they are bordered by the posterior margin of the medial pterygoid process. Medially, they are seperated into two by the posterior border of the vomer bone.

The roof of the choana is formed by the ala of the vomer and the vaginal process of the medial plate of the pterygoid process. Posteriorly, the roof is formed by the body of the sphenoid bone.

Term  English term: Choana, Posterior nasal aperture
Latin term: choana (singular), choanae (plural)
Location Between nasal cavity and nasopharynx 

Learn more about the choana in this study unit: 

Nasal cavity Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

Drake, R., A.W. Vogl, A.W., Mitchell, A.W. M. (2015). Gray’s Anatomy for Students, 3rd Edition, Churchill Livingston Elsevier.

Choana: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

What do you prefer to learn with?

Videos Quizzes Both

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more.

Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver
© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!