[Scanning electron microscopic pattern on normal and pathological nasal mucosa (author's transl)].

Nasal mucosa from animals and men were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The findings resulting from normal nasal mucosa and mucosa chronically alterated by inflammation (rhinitis chronica hyperplastica, rhinitis allergica, rhinitis chronica atrophicans, and nasal polyps) were compared. The patterns of the surface-behavior of the mucociliary apparatus and the structure of the epithelium--as well as the findings were discussed. The three-dimensional observation of mucosal surface structure completes the light and electron microscopic examination procedures allowing further insights into morphology and physiological function of the mucosa in the upper respiratory tract.