What is the term for the dilated chamber of the nasal cavity?

The term that refers to the dilated chamber of the nasal cavity is "vestibule." The vestibule serves as the entryway to the nasal cavity and is located just inside the nostrils. It is lined with skin and contains tiny hairs called vibrissae, which help filter out larger particles from the air entering the respiratory system. The structure plays a vital role in the initial processes of respiration, helping to warm and humidify the air.

In contrast, the nasal fossa refers to the larger space within the nasal cavity but does not denote a specific dilated region as the vestibule does. The nasal meatus is an anatomical term that describes the grooves or passages located between the nasal conchae, facilitating air movement and drainage of secretions, which differs from the concept of a chamber. The term nasal passage generally describes any pathway within the nasal cavity but lacks the specificity needed to indicate a particular dilation such as the vestibule.