Inferior nasal concha
Concha nasalis inferior
Also known as: inferior turbinate
A paired, independent scroll-shaped bone projecting from the lateral wall of the nasal cavity — the largest of the three conchae and, unlike the superior and middle conchae, a separate bone.
Overview
Each inferior nasal concha is a thin, curled lamina of spongy bone attached by its upper border to the lateral nasal wall (maxilla, lacrimal, ethmoid and palatine bones). Its lacrimal process joins the lacrimal bone to complete the medial wall of the nasolacrimal canal; its maxillary process partly covers the opening of the maxillary sinus; its ethmoidal process meets the uncinate process.
Beneath and lateral to it lies the inferior meatus, into which the nasolacrimal duct opens under the anterior part of the concha. Its covering mucosa contains a large venous plexus (swell bodies) that engorges alternately on each side (the nasal cycle).
- Location
Lower lateral wall of each nasal cavity.
Anatomy
- Articulations
Maxilla, lacrimal, ethmoid and palatine bones.
- Ossification
Endochondral, from a single centre ≈month 5 of fetal life.
Function
- Increases mucosal surface area to warm, humidify and filter inspired air
- Creates turbulent airflow to deposit particles
- Covers the opening of the nasolacrimal duct
Clinical significance
Turbinate hypertrophy
Chronic rhinitis enlarges the inferior turbinates, causing nasal obstruction; treated by turbinate reduction.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Skeletal System sources. For education only; not medical advice.