AST Surgical Technologist Exam Practice 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The division of the nasal cavity into two portions is primarily due to the septum, specifically the nasal septum. The nasal septum is a vertical structure located in the midline of the nasal cavity and consists of both bone and cartilage. It serves to separate the left and right nostrils, ensuring that the airflow can be directed into both sides of the cavity, contributing to functions such as filtering, humidifying, and warming the air we breathe.

While the palate is involved in separating the oral cavity from the nasal cavity, it does not directly divide the nasal cavity itself. Turbinate bones, on the other hand, are structures within the nasal cavity that help to increase the surface area for airflow and mucus production but do not create a division. The term 'fossa' generally refers to a depression or hollow, which does not describe a dividing structure within the nasal cavity. Thus, the nasal septum is the key anatomical feature responsible for creating the two distinct portions of the nasal cavity.