Corpus: Inferior nasal concha
1. Definition
The inferior nasal concha is a skull bone that is the bony base of the homonymous inferior nasal concha.
2. Anatomy
The inferior nasal concha runs along the lateral nasal wall. It consists of a cancellous bone lamella that is partially rolled up around its longitudinal axis like a leaf. Below the inferior nasal concha is the inferior nasal meatus, into which the nasolacrimal duct opens.
2.1. Medial surface
The medial surface is convex and has fine, horizontal depressions that harbor blood vessels.
2.2. Lateral surface
The lateral surface is concave and forms the medial border of the inferior nasal meatus.
2.3. Superior margin
The thin upper edge is connected to the lateral nasal wall, where it articulates with four bones:
The superior border can be further subdivided into three parts: an anterior, a middle, and a posterior portion. The middle portion has three prominent bony processes:
- The maxillary process is a thin, caudally and laterally directed bony lamella that lies in front of the opening of the maxillary sinus and forms part of the medial maxillary sinus wall.
- The ethmoid process attaches to the uncinate process of the ethmoid bone, further narrowing the opening of the maxillary sinus.
- The pointed lacrimal process points towards the lacrimal bone, forming part of the inner wall of the nasolacrimal canal.
2.4. Inferior margin
The lower, free edge of the inferior nasal concha protrudes into the nasal cavity. It is significantly thicker than the upper edge.