Middle nasal turbinate

Concha nasalis media

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What it is

Middle nasal concha (turbinate): a scroll of thin bone covered by thick, vascular mucosa projecting from the lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

Function

Increases the mucosal surface and creates turbulent airflow so inhaled air is warmed, humidified and filtered.

Size

Part of the ethmoid bone, about 4 cm long; the frontal, maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinuses drain beneath it into the middle meatus.

Clinical note

The middle meatus (ostiomeatal complex) is the key drainage pathway targeted by functional endoscopic sinus surgery.