Anatomy, Head and Neck, Nasal Concha

Excerpt

Three pairs of turbinates are commonly described along the lateral walls of the nasal cavity: the superior, middle, and inferior (see Image. Nasal Cavity). The supreme turbinate exists in some individuals, with 8% having unilateral and 80% having bilateral development. The turbinates' bony components are called the "conchae." The conchae of the middle, superior, and supreme turbinates are projections of the ethmoid bones. Meanwhile, the inferior turbinate—the largest turbinate—is a separate bone unto itself.

Beneath the attachment of each turbinate to the lateral nasal wall is a space, a meatus, into which drain several different outflow tracts originating in the orbits and paranasal sinuses. Turbinates play an important physiological role by warming and humidifying inspired air and regulating nasal airflow. However, turbinates may also contribute to nasal airway obstruction when inflamed, as in cases of allergy and viral upper respiratory infections. Understanding the anatomy and function of the nasal conchae is crucial when treating nasal and orofacial disorders.