Inferior nasal concha bone

The inferior nasal concha bone is a curved, horizontally oriented bone located within the lateral wall of the nasal cavity. Each inferior concha has two surfaces: an inward-facing (medial) surface and an outward-facing (lateral) surface. It has two ends—anterior (front) and posterior (back)—alongwith two defining borders: superior (top) and inferior (bottom).

The medial surface of the concha is convex outwards, facing towards the nasal septum. In contrast, the lateral (outer) surface adopts a concave posture, and faces towards the lateral wall of the nasal cavity. It forms a part of the inferior nasal meatus.

The superior border of the inferior nasal concha bone is thin and irregular, segmented into three distinct regions for a nuanced connection with adjacent bones:

• Anterior region: This segment forges a connection with the conchal crest of the maxilla.

• Posterior region: Conversely, the posterior segment establishes a linkage with the conchal crest of the palatine bone.

• Middle region: This sector is subdivided further into three processes, each engaging in pivotal connections. (a). The lacrimal process, is positioned at the forefront, characterized by its small and pointed form. It connects with a descending projection from the lacrimal bone. (b). The ethmoidal process, situated at the rear, interlocks with the uncinate process of the ethmoid bone. (c). Sandwiched between these is an intermediate thin maxillary process that curves inferolaterally. This process secures a connection to the medial surface of the maxilla at the opening of the maxillary sinus.

The inferior border is thick and spongy, especially pronounced in its central section. Both the front and back ends of the concha taper somewhat, with the back end being sharper than the front.