Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNasal Turbinates DefinitionAnatomyInferior MeatusMiddle MeatusSuperior MeatusPhysiologyTurbinate DisordersCorrecting Turbinate DisordersA Word From VerywellFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Nasal Turbinates Definition
Anatomy
Inferior Meatus
Middle Meatus
Superior Meatus
Physiology
Turbinate Disorders
Correcting Turbinate Disorders
A Word From Verywell
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have heard a reference to your “nasal turbinates” where are these located? What is the anatomy of this part of the nose, what is its function, and what disorders may occur?
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Nasal Turbinates: Definition
Turbinates, which are also called nasal concha or conchae (plural), are shell-shaped networks ofbones, vessels, and tissue within the nasal passageways. These structures are responsible for warming, humidifying, and filtering the air we breathe. Normally there are three turbinates including the superior (upper), middle, and inferior (lower) turbinates. However, occasionally you can have a fourth turbinate (called the supreme turbinate) which is situated higher than the superior turbinate.
In between each turbinate is space (known as meati), each with a name that coincides with the name of the turbinate that is directly above the space. These spaces form our nasal passageways which direct air flow through our nose.
Structure (Anatomy) of the Nasal Turbinates (Conchae)
As noted, the nasal turbinates are broken down into three sections, the upper, middle, and lower conchae.
Inferior Meatus (Lower Conchae)
The inferior meatus is the space between the floor of the nasal cavity and the inferior turbinate. This is the largest of the air spaces. This passageway serves multiple purposes:
The middle meatus is the nasal passageway that lies between the inferior turbinate and the middle turbinate.
This space is important for:
Superior Meatus (Upper Conchae)
The Superior meatus is the nasal space that lies between the middle turbinate and the superior turbinate. This is normally the top-most nasal passageway, however, occasionally there is also a supreme turbinate that is above the superior turbinate. Functions of this passageway include:
The upper and middle conchae are part of the ethmoid bone, but the lower conchae is an independent structure.
Function (Physiology) of the Turbinates: Regulation of the Nasal Cycle
Every one to seven hours, your nasal passageways undergo a cycle of constricting (shrinking) one turbinate while the other turbinate, on the opposite side of the nose, swells. This subsequently makes some of the passageways narrow, restricting airflow, while enlarging the other airway and improving airflow. During nasal cycle changes, you will not feel congested since youroverallairway resistance has not changed.
The purpose of the nasal cycle is not fully understood but common theories include:
The nasal turbinates can be associated with several disorders. Oftentimes, the symptom associated with these disorders is congestion.Turbinate disorders include:
Nasal Congestion and Treatment Options
Many turbinate disorders resolve on their own, but occasionally treatment is needed to correct the problem. When turbinate disorders need to be corrected, medications can often help; occasionally, aturbinate reductioncan be performed alone or duringendoscopic sinus surgery. This procedure requires general anesthesia and is typically performed in a same day surgery clinic.
The nasal turbinates are comprised of three or four structures that serve the function of warming, humidifying, and filtering the air that we breathe. Abnormalities in the turbinates often result in congestion, as occurs with the common cold and allergies. Structural changes in the turbinates such as concha bullosa and choanal atresia can also result in symptoms. When severe, surgery (turbinate reduction) may be necessary to reduce symptoms and restore function to this part of our anatomy.
There are three nasal turbinate structures in the nasal passageway, but some people may have four. The first three includes the superior (upper), middle, and inferior (lower) turbinates. The fourth turbinate, for those who have it, is called the supreme turbinate, since it is located above the superior turbinate.
The nasal cycle describes the process of the nasal passageways shrinking and swelling, resulting in restricted airflow in one passage while airflow is improved in the other passage. The nasal turbinates are responsible for this process. It is not entirely understood why the nasal cycle occurs. One theory says that the narrowing of nasal passageways allows its glands to recharge.
The superior meatus has a few different functions. It allows for drainage of the sphenoid and posterior ethmoid sinuses, modifies vocal sounds when air passes through it, and its nerve endings help interpret smell.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Georgakopoulos B, Le PH.Anatomy, Head and Neck, Nose Interior Nasal Concha.[Updated 2019 Sep 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Turner, J., Lal, D. and J. Nayak. American Rhinologic Society,“Nasal Anatomy"Kahana-Zweig R, Geva-Sagiv M, Weissbrod A, Secundo L, Soroker N, Sobel N.Measuring and Characterizing the Human Nasal Cycle.PLoS One. 2016;11(10):e0162918. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0162918Scheithauer MO.Surgery of the turbinates and “empty nose” syndrome.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;9:Doc03. doi:10.3205/cto000067Terzi, S., Dursun, E., Celiker, F. et al.The Effects of Choanal Atresia on Development of the Paranasal Sinuses and Turbinates.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy. 2017 Mar 13. doi:10.1007/s00276-017-1842-yENThealth: American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.Turbinate Hypertrophy.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Georgakopoulos B, Le PH.Anatomy, Head and Neck, Nose Interior Nasal Concha.[Updated 2019 Sep 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Turner, J., Lal, D. and J. Nayak. American Rhinologic Society,“Nasal Anatomy"Kahana-Zweig R, Geva-Sagiv M, Weissbrod A, Secundo L, Soroker N, Sobel N.Measuring and Characterizing the Human Nasal Cycle.PLoS One. 2016;11(10):e0162918. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0162918Scheithauer MO.Surgery of the turbinates and “empty nose” syndrome.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;9:Doc03. doi:10.3205/cto000067Terzi, S., Dursun, E., Celiker, F. et al.The Effects of Choanal Atresia on Development of the Paranasal Sinuses and Turbinates.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy. 2017 Mar 13. doi:10.1007/s00276-017-1842-yENThealth: American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.Turbinate Hypertrophy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Georgakopoulos B, Le PH.Anatomy, Head and Neck, Nose Interior Nasal Concha.[Updated 2019 Sep 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Turner, J., Lal, D. and J. Nayak. American Rhinologic Society,“Nasal Anatomy"Kahana-Zweig R, Geva-Sagiv M, Weissbrod A, Secundo L, Soroker N, Sobel N.Measuring and Characterizing the Human Nasal Cycle.PLoS One. 2016;11(10):e0162918. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0162918Scheithauer MO.Surgery of the turbinates and “empty nose” syndrome.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;9:Doc03. doi:10.3205/cto000067Terzi, S., Dursun, E., Celiker, F. et al.The Effects of Choanal Atresia on Development of the Paranasal Sinuses and Turbinates.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy. 2017 Mar 13. doi:10.1007/s00276-017-1842-yENThealth: American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.Turbinate Hypertrophy.
Georgakopoulos B, Le PH.Anatomy, Head and Neck, Nose Interior Nasal Concha.[Updated 2019 Sep 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Turner, J., Lal, D. and J. Nayak. American Rhinologic Society,“Nasal Anatomy”
Kahana-Zweig R, Geva-Sagiv M, Weissbrod A, Secundo L, Soroker N, Sobel N.Measuring and Characterizing the Human Nasal Cycle.PLoS One. 2016;11(10):e0162918. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0162918
Scheithauer MO.Surgery of the turbinates and “empty nose” syndrome.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;9:Doc03. doi:10.3205/cto000067
Terzi, S., Dursun, E., Celiker, F. et al.The Effects of Choanal Atresia on Development of the Paranasal Sinuses and Turbinates.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy. 2017 Mar 13. doi:10.1007/s00276-017-1842-y
ENThealth: American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.Turbinate Hypertrophy.
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