Turbinate bone

Turbinate Bone

The Turbinate bone or nasal concha is a long, narrow and curled bone shelf that protrudes into the breathing passage of the nose. It extends horizontally along the lateral wall of the nasal cavity and consists of three parts: the superior turbinate, the middle turbinate, and the inferior turbinate.

Structure

The turbinate bones are paired structures, one on each side of the nose. They are covered by a mucous membrane and have a rich blood supply, which helps to warm and humidify the air that we breathe in. The superior and middle turbinates are part of the ethmoid bone, while the inferior turbinate is an independent bone of the facial skeleton.

Function

The primary function of the turbinate bones is to regulate the flow of air through the nasal cavity. They direct the airflow in a steady, circulatory pattern towards the olfactory epithelium on the roof of the nasal cavity. The turbinates also increase the surface area of the nose, allowing for greater humidification of air entering the nose. The warm, humid air then travels down the trachea and into the lungs, facilitating efficient gas exchange.

Clinical significance

In some cases, the turbinates can become swollen due to allergies, environmental irritants, or infection, a condition known as turbinate hypertrophy. This can lead to nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, and chronic sinusitis. Treatment options include medication, turbinate reduction surgery, or radiofrequency ablation.

See also

• Nasal cavity
• Nasal concha
• Ethmoid bone
• Facial skeleton
• Olfactory epithelium
• Trachea
• Lungs
• Turbinate hypertrophy
• Radiofrequency ablation