Nasal concha

Nasal Concha

Diagram of the nasal conchae.

The nasal concha, also known as the turbinates, are long, narrow, curled bone shelves that protrude into the nasal cavity. They are responsible for forcing inhaled air to flow in a steady, regular pattern around the largest possible surface of cilia and climate-controlling tissue. The nasal conchae are located on the lateral walls of the nasal cavity and are divided into three pairs: the superior, middle, and inferior conchae.

Anatomy

Diagram of the upper respiratory system, including the nasal conchae.

The nasal conchae are part of the ethmoid bone and the inferior nasal concha bone. The superior and middle conchae are part of the ethmoid bone, while the inferior concha is a separate bone. Each concha is covered by a mucous membrane that contains a rich supply of blood vessels.

Superior Nasal Concha

The superior nasal concha is the smallest of the three conchae. It is located above the middle concha and is part of the ethmoid bone. The superior concha forms the superior meatus, a narrow passageway in the nasal cavity.

Middle Nasal Concha

The middle nasal concha is larger than the superior concha and is also part of the ethmoid bone. It forms the middle meatus, which is an important passageway for drainage of the paranasal sinuses.

Inferior Nasal Concha

Animation showing the location of the nasal conchae.

The inferior nasal concha is the largest of the three conchae and is a separate bone. It forms the inferior meatus, which is the largest of the three meatuses and is responsible for the majority of airflow through the nasal cavity.

Function

The primary function of the nasal conchae is to increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, which helps to warm and humidify the air as it passes through the nasal passages. The conchae also help to filter and trap particles from the air, preventing them from reaching the lungs.

Clinical Significance

CT scan showing the nasal conchae.

The nasal conchae can become enlarged due to allergies, infections, or other conditions, leading to nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing. This condition is known as turbinate hypertrophy. Treatment may involve medications or surgical procedures such as turbinate reduction.

Comparative Anatomy

Horse skull showing nasal conchae.

In other animals, the nasal conchae can vary significantly in size and shape. For example, in horses, the conchae are highly developed and play a crucial role in the animal's ability to regulate airflow and temperature.

Related Pages

• Nasal cavity
• Ethmoid bone
• Inferior nasal concha
• Turbinate reduction

Illustration of the nasal cavity and conchae.

Gallery

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  Right nasal airway passage showing conchae.

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  Close-up of nasal conchae in a human skull.