Inferior nasal concha

Inferior Nasal Concha

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Inferior nasal concha

The Inferior Nasal Concha (also known as the Inferior Turbinate) is one of the three paired nasal conchae in the nose. It extends horizontally along the lateral wall of the nasal cavity and is the largest and lowest of the nasal conchae.

Anatomy

The inferior nasal concha is a separate bone, while the middle and superior nasal conchae are part of the ethmoid bone. It consists of a lamina of spongy bone, curled upon itself like a scroll, (hence the name concha, meaning shell in Latin). The inferior nasal concha has a convex lateral surface, concave medial surface, a posterior border thick and rounded, and an anterior border thin and sharp.

Function

The primary function of the inferior nasal concha is to regulate airflow through the nasal cavity. The conchae increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, thus providing a mechanism for rapid warming and humidification of air as it passes to the lungs. In addition, they direct the air flow in a steady, regular pattern around the largest possible surface area, to optimize the interaction of the inhaled air with the large surface of the nasal mucosa.

Clinical Significance

Enlargement of the inferior nasal concha is a common cause of nasal obstruction. This condition, known as concha bullosa, can be treated surgically. The inferior nasal concha is also the most common site for the origin of nasal polyps.

See Also

• Nasal concha
• Nasal cavity
• Nasal polyp