Turbinate
Turbinate
Turbinate (pronunciation: /ˈtəːbɪneɪt/), also known as nasal concha, is a term used in anatomy to describe the long, narrow, curled shelf of bone that protrudes into the breathing passage of the nose. The term "turbinate" is derived from the Latin word "turbinatus", meaning shaped like a top or cone.
Function
The primary function of the turbinates is to direct and humidify air as it travels through the nose to the lungs. They also play a role in the body's immune response, trapping and filtering out dust and other particles that are inhaled.
Types
There are three types of turbinates in the human nose:
- Superior turbinate - the smallest and highest of the turbinates, located in the upper part of the nasal cavity.
- Middle turbinate - located in the middle of the nasal cavity, it is larger than the superior turbinate.
- Inferior turbinate - the largest of the turbinates, it extends the length of the nasal cavity.
Related Terms
- Turbinate hypertrophy - a condition where the turbinates become swollen and enlarged, often due to allergies or sinusitis.
- Turbinate reduction - a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the turbinates, often performed to treat turbinate hypertrophy.
- Concha bullosa - a condition where air pockets form in the middle turbinate, often causing sinus problems.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Turbinate
- Wikipedia's article - Turbinate
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