A delicate, spongy bone located between the nasal cavity and the brain, forming part of the nasal septum and the medial wall of each orbit. It contains numerous air cells and is crucial for the sense of smell.
From Greek 'ethmos' meaning sieve and 'eidos' meaning form or shape, literally 'sieve-like.' Named for its perforated appearance that allows olfactory nerves to pass through to the brain.
The ethmoid bone is like nature's air filter system! Its maze-like structure not only warms and humidifies the air you breathe, but its tiny holes allow smell molecules to reach your brain - that's why head injuries here can cause loss of smell.
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