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    From Musculoskeletal System

    Trapezius
    Muscle responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilizing the scapula.
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Acromioclavicular Joint
    The acromioclavicular joint connects the clavicle and scapula at the top of the shoulder, enabling smooth scapular motion and stability during arm movements.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Skull
    Bony structure of the head that encases the brain.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Temporal Bones
    Bones forming the lower sides of the skull and housing the ears.
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Hinge Joints
    e.g., elbow, knee
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Fibula
    Smaller bone in the lower leg, located alongside the tibia.
    Gomphoses
    Fibrous joints where a peg fits into a socket (e.g., teeth in jaw).
    Vomer Bone
    Bone forming the nasal septum.
    Latissimus Dorsi
    Back muscle responsible for arm adduction and extension.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Sternocleidomastoid
    Muscle that rotates and flexes the neck.
    Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Annular Ligament
    The annular ligament is a strong fibrous band encircling the head of the radius, stabilizing the proximal radioulnar joint and allowing smooth rotation of the forearm.
    Sacroiliac Ligaments
    Ligaments connecting the sacrum to the iliac bones.
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.

    Inferior Nasal Conchae

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.

    1. Overview

    The inferior nasal conchae (also known as inferior turbinates) are paired, scroll-like bones that project horizontally into the nasal cavity from the lateral walls. Unlike the superior and middle nasal conchae—which are parts of the ethmoid bone—the inferior nasal conchae are separate, independent bones. They play an essential role in regulating airflow, filtering, warming, and humidifying inhaled air, and are vital components of the nasal respiratory system.

    2. Location

    The inferior nasal conchae are located in the nasal cavity, specifically:

    • Laterally: Attached to the maxilla's medial surface along the lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

    • Inferiorly: Lie above the floor of the nasal cavity and below the middle nasal conchae.

    • Medially: Project into the nasal airway space, shaping the inferior nasal meatus (the air passage beneath them).

    3. Structure

    Each inferior nasal concha is a curved, thin bony plate with a scroll-like (turbinate) appearance:

    • Shape: Elongated and curved medially like a shell, resembling a spiral scroll.

    • Surfaces:

      • Medial surface: Convex and faces the nasal septum; lined with respiratory mucosa rich in blood vessels and cilia.

      • Lateral surface: Concave and attached to the lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

    • Articulations: Articulate with four bones—maxilla, palatine, lacrimal, and ethmoid bones.

    • Composition: Composed of compact bone and covered with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium (respiratory epithelium).

    4. Function

    The inferior nasal conchae are critical in regulating air as it passes through the nasal passages:

    • Air filtration: Trap dust, pathogens, and other particles using ciliated mucosa and mucus.

    • Air humidification: Moisten inhaled air to protect delicate respiratory epithelium in the lungs.

    • Air warming: Rich vascular supply helps warm incoming air to body temperature.

    • Airflow regulation: Increase turbulence in the nasal cavity, enhancing contact between air and mucosa for conditioning.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    In addition to mechanical functions, the inferior nasal conchae support broader physiological processes:

    • Olfaction enhancement: By slowing airflow and directing it toward the olfactory epithelium, they facilitate better odor detection.

    • Immune defense: Mucosa-covered conchae help trap pathogens, and local immune cells respond to inhaled antigens.

    • Voice resonance: Contribute to vocal tone and nasal resonance by shaping the nasal airway.

    • Support sinus drainage: Influence the patency of surrounding sinuses and the drainage pathways.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The inferior nasal conchae are involved in several ENT (ear, nose, and throat) disorders and surgical procedures:

    • Inferior turbinate hypertrophy:

      • Common cause of nasal obstruction, often due to allergies, chronic inflammation, or compensatory enlargement after septal deviation.

      • Can be treated with medications or surgical reduction (turbinate reduction or turbinoplasty).

    • Chronic rhinitis:

      • Inflamed inferior conchae may contribute to persistent nasal congestion and mucus overproduction.

    • Turbinate surgery risks:

      • Over-resection can lead to atrophic rhinitis or empty nose syndrome, where airflow is unregulated and causes a sensation of obstruction.

    • Nasal trauma:

      • Fractures involving the nasal cavity may displace or damage the inferior nasal conchae, affecting breathing and sinus function.

    • Imaging relevance:

      • Frequently evaluated in CT scans of the sinuses in cases of sinusitis or obstructive nasal symptoms.

    Did you know? Your bones make up only 15% of your body weight.