Descriptive Histology and Anatomy of the Nasal Cavity and Its Associated Sensory Organs in the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) Based on Four Standardised Transverse Sections.

The nasal cavity of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) harbours a well-developed olfactory system, essential for food provision and communication. Additionally, it acts as a first line of defence by preventing pathogens and irritants from reaching the lungs, thereby playing an important physiological role. This study describes the histo-anatomical features of the nasal cavity in the species. Hedgehogs have simple nasoturbinates and complex branching maxilloturbinates lined by respiratory epithelium. The caudal nasal cavity contains large lateral nasal glands and abundant olfactory epithelium, especially dorsally, lining most of the septum and ethmoid sinuses. The left and right nasal cavities merge at the nasopharynx.