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Glite Dictionary
choana

choana

9.9
An opening at the back of the nose that leads to the throat
  • noun
  • /koʊˈɑːnə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : choana
  • Excess mucus can obstruct the choana, leading to difficulty in breathing through the nose.

Examples

  • During the surgery, the doctor needed to clear the blockage in the patient's choana to restore normal breathing.

  • The choana is an important anatomical feature because it connects the nasal cavity to the throat.

  • PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE): Figure 4. Postoperative lateral x-ray showing large defect extending from nasal vestibule to choana.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Figure 1: A: Endoscopy shows the pedunculated mass (1 = posterior choana; 2 = prolapsed middle turbinate; 3 = nasal septum).

    Academic text (2006)

Synonyms

posterior naris
vschoana
  • Specialized
9.9

One of the two openings at the back of the nose that leads to the throat

has the same meaning but uses a different anatomical wording
posterior nasal aperture
vschoana
  • Specialized
9.0

An opening at the back of the nose that leads into the upper throat

has the same meaning but uses a more concise anatomical label
internal nostril
vschoana
  • Specialized
8.0

One of the two openings at the back of the nose that lead to the throat

has the same meaning but uses a technical anatomical name

Surface Forms

choana singular
choanas plural
choanae plural

Etymology

The word choana comes from the Greek word choanē, which means 'funnel'. Think of each choana as a small funnel at the back of the nose that guides air into the throat, which is why the term names those openings.