Turbinate

In anatomy, a turbinate (or nasal conchae) 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 humans and other vertebrates.

The turbinates divide the nasal airway into three groove-like air passages –and are responsible for forcing inhaled air to flow in a steady, regular pattern around the largest possible surface of cilia and climate controlling tissue.

Structure and functions of turbinates
Turbinates are comprised of pseudo-stratified 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. Each pair is comprised of one turbinate in either side of the nasal cavity, divided by the septum.

The inferior turbinates are the largest turbinates, and can be as long as the index finger, and are responsible for the majority of  airflow direction, humidification, heating, and filtering of air inhaled through the nose.

The middle turbinates are smaller, usually as long as the pinky 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 comprise most of the mucosal tissue of the nose and are required for functional respiration. 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 (very much like the penis), in response to the climatic conditions and changing needs of the body.

The turbinates are also responsible for filtration, heating and humidification of air inhaled through the nose. As air passes over the turbinate tissues it is heated to body temperature, humidified (up to 98% water saturation) and filtered.

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 body’s first line of immunological defense. The respiratory epithelium is partially comprised 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
The turbinates provide, first and foremost, the humidity needed to preserve the delicate olfactory (smell) epithelium needed to keep the olfactory receptors healthy and alert. 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.

The superior turbinates literally hood-over, and protect the nerve axons piercing through the cribriform plate (a porous bone plate that separates the nose from the brain) into the nose. Some areas of the middle turbinates are also innervated by the olfactory bulb. All three turbinates are innervated by pain and temperature receptors, via the trigeminal nerve (or, the fifth cranial nerve). Research has shown that there is a strong connection between these nerve endings and activation of the olfactory receptors, but science has yet to fully explain this interaction.

Turbinate dysfunction
Large, swollen turbinates may lead to blockage of nasal breathing. Allergies, exposure to environmental irritants, or a persistent inflammation within the sinuses, can lead to turbinate swelling. Deformity of the nasal septum can also result in enlarged turbinates.

Treatment of the underlying allergy or irritant may reduce turbinate swelling. In cases that do not resolve, or for treatment of deviated septum, turbinate reduction surgery may be required. Generally, because the turbinates are essential for respiration, only small amounts of turbinate tissue are removed. Extensive reduction of the inferior or middle turbinates can cause empty nose syndrome.