Konka - Meatus

Endrianus Jaya Putra

Turbinates are composed

of pseudostratified columnar,
ciliated respiratory epithelium
with a thick, vascular and
erectile glandular tissue layer.
The turbinates are located
laterally in the nasal cavities,
curling
medially
and
downwards into the nasal
airway
All three turbinates are
innervated
by
pain
and

In anatomy, a nasal
concha (or turbinate) is
a long, narrow and curled
bone shelf (shaped like
an elongated sea-shell)
which protrudes into the
breathing passage of the
nose.
Turbinate bone refers
to any of the scrolled
spongy bones of the
nasal passages in
vertebrates.

 The inferior turbinates are the largest turbinates, and can be as

long as the index finger in humans, and are responsible for the
majority of airflow direction, humidification, heating, and filtering
of air inhaled through the nose.
The middle turbinates are smaller. In humans, they are usually as
long as the little finger. They project downwards over the openings
of the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses, and act as buffers to protect
the sinuses from coming in direct contact with pressurized nasal
airflow. Most inhaled airflow travels between the inferior turbinate
and the middle turbinate.
The superior turbinates are smaller structures, connected to the
middle turbinates by nerve-endings, and serve to protect the
olfactory bulb.

Role of turbinates in the

respiratory system
The turbinates compose most of the mucosal tissue of
the nose and are required for functional respiration.
The turbinates are also responsible for filtration,
heating and humidification of air inhaled through the
nose.
filtration is mostly achieved by other more effective means
such as mucous and cilla. As air passes over the turbinate
tissues it is heated to body temperature, humidified (up to
98% water saturation) and filtered.
The turbinates are enriched with airflow pressure and
temperature sensing nerve receptors (linked to the
trigeminal nerve route, the fifth cranial nerve), allowing for
tremendous erectile capabilities of nasal congestion and
decongestion, in response to the climatic conditions and
changing needs of the body.

Role of turbinates as an
immunological defense
The respiratory epithelium which covers the erectile
tissue (or lamina propria) of the turbinates plays a
major role in the bodys first line of immunological
defense.
The respiratory epithelium is partially composed of
mucus-producing goblet cells. This secreted mucus
covers the nasal cavities, and serves as a filter, by
trapping air-borne particles larger than 2 to 3
micrometers.
The respiratory epithelium also serves as a means
of access for the lymphatic system which protects
the body from being infected by viruses or bacteria.

Role of turbinates in
olfaction
If the epithelial layer gets dry or irritated, it may cease
to function. This is usually a temporary condition, but
over time, may lead to chronic anosmia.
The turbinates also increase the surface area of the
inside of the nose, and by directing and deflecting
airflow across the maximum mucosal surface of the
inner nose, they are able to propel the inspired air.
This, coupled with the humidity and filtration provided
by the turbinates, helps to carry more scent molecules
towards the higher, and very narrow regions of the
nasal airways, where olfaction nerve receptors are
located.

Normal-sized right inferior

turbinate with a moderate
inferior septal deflection.

Longstanding rhinolith leading to

anatomical alterations of the
ipsilateral inferior nasal meatus and
turbinate
Mucosal hypertrophy of the right
inferior turbinate with total
airway obstruction.

swollen turbinates with thick

secretions
In alergic rhinitis patient

pale turbinates and dry

secretions in smoker

large right concha

bullosa.

Nasal Meatus

 The superior meatus, the smallest of the three

meatuses of the nose, occupies the middle third of the
lateral wall of the nasal cavity. It lies between the
superior nasal conchae and middle nasal conchae; the
sphenopalatine foramen opens into it behind, and the
posterior ethmoidal cells in front.
The middle meatus is a nasal opening or canal
situated between the middle and inferior conchae, and
extends from the anterior to the posterior end of the
latter.
The inferior meatus, the largest of the three meatuses
of the nose, is the space between the inferior concha
and the floor of the nasal cavity.

 The term serous fluid is used for various

bodily fluids that are typically pale yellow and
transparent, and of a benign nature, that fill
the inside of body cavities.
Serous fluid originates from serous glands,
with secretions enriched with proteins and
water. Serous fluid may also originate from
mixed glands, which contain both mucous and
serous cells. A common trait of serous fluids is
their role in assisting digestion, excretion, and
respiration.

 Mucous fluid may also originate from mixed glands, which

contain both serous and mucous cells. It is a viscous colloid
containing antiseptic enzymes (such as lysozyme), proteins
such as lactoferrin, glycoproteins known as mucins that are
produced by goblet cells in the mucous membranes and
submucosal glands, immunoglobulins, and inorganic salts.
This mucus serves to protect epithelial cells in the
respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, visual, and
auditory systems in mammals; the epidermis in
amphibians; and the gills in fish. A major function of this
mucus is to protect against infectious agents such as fungi,
bacteria and viruses. The average human body produces
about a litre of mucus per day.

 In the respiratory system mucus aids in the protection of the lungs by

trapping foreign particles that enter it, particularly through the nose,
during normal breathing. "Phlegm" is a specialized term for mucus that is
restricted to the respiratory tract, while the term "mucus" more globally
describes secretions of the nasal passages.
Nasal mucus is produced by the nasal mucosa, and mucal tissues lining
the airways (trachea, bronchus, bronchioles) is produced by specialized
airway epithelial cells (goblet cells) and submucosal glands. Small
particles such as dust, particulate pollutants, and allergens as well as
infectious agents such as bacteria are caught in the viscous nasal or
airway mucus and prevented from entering the system. This event along
with the continual movement of the respiratory mucus layer toward the
oropharynx, helps prevent foreign objects from entering the lungs during
breathing. Additionally, mucus aids in moisturizing the inhaled air and
prevents tissues such as the nasal and airway epithelia from drying out.
Nasal and airway mucus is produced continuously, with most of it
swallowed unconsciously, even when it is dried.