Bony middle nasal concha
Concha nasalis media
- Synonym: Middle nasal turbinate
- Related terms: Middle nasal concha
Definition
The bony middle nasal concha is a curved plate of bone that emerges from the inner side of the ethmoidal labyrinth. It points downward and covers an area below it called the middle nasal meatus. This area is important for draining the anterior and middle ethmoidal air cells, and maxillary air sinus. Positioned just above the bony middle nasal concha is the superior meatus, which is a crucial spot where the posterior ethmoidal air cells empty into the nasal cavity.
Similar to the superior and inferior conchae, the bony middle nasal concha plays a vital role in increasing the nasal cavity's surface area. This expansion helps filter, moisten, and warm the air we breathe.
References
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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.
Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 33: Nose, nasal cavity and Paranasal sinuses’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 561.
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 8: Head and Neck’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 1016-1026.
