Turbinates

Definition

Turbinates are small, scroll-like bony structures located within the nasal cavity that help to regulate airflow and humidity in the upper respiratory system. They play a crucial role in the overall functioning of the nose and sinuses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The turbinates are covered in a specialized mucous membrane that helps to trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles before they can reach the lower respiratory tract.
2. The three main turbinates are the inferior, middle, and superior turbinates, which are arranged in a spiral-like pattern to optimize airflow and surface area for air conditioning.
3. The turbinates can become inflamed and swollen due to allergies, infections, or other conditions, leading to nasal congestion and impaired breathing.
4. The size and position of the turbinates can be altered through surgical procedures, such as turbinate reduction, to improve nasal airflow in cases of chronic nasal obstruction.
5. The turbinates play a crucial role in the sense of smell by creating turbulence and increasing the surface area for odorant molecules to interact with the olfactory receptors.

Review Questions

• Describe the anatomical structure and location of the turbinates within the upper respiratory system.
  • The turbinates are small, scroll-like bony structures located within the nasal cavity. They are arranged in a spiral-like pattern, with the inferior, middle, and superior turbinates positioned to optimize airflow and surface area for air conditioning. The turbinates are covered in a specialized mucous membrane that helps trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles before they can reach the lower respiratory tract.
• Explain the functional role of the turbinates in the upper respiratory system.
  • The turbinates play a crucial role in the overall functioning of the nose and sinuses. They help to regulate airflow, humidity, and temperature within the nasal cavity, ensuring that the air is properly conditioned before it reaches the lower respiratory tract. Additionally, the turbinates create turbulence and increase the surface area for odorant molecules to interact with the olfactory receptors, contributing to the sense of smell. The turbinates can also become inflamed and swollen, leading to nasal congestion and impaired breathing, which may require surgical intervention to improve nasal airflow.
• Analyze the relationship between the turbinates and the paranasal sinuses, and discuss how this relationship can impact respiratory function.
  • The turbinates are closely connected to the paranasal sinuses, which are the air-filled cavities surrounding the nasal cavity. The turbinates help to regulate airflow and humidity within the nasal cavity, and this influence extends to the paranasal sinuses as well. Any changes or abnormalities in the turbinates, such as inflammation or swelling, can lead to disruptions in the airflow and pressure within the paranasal sinuses, potentially causing sinus infections, headaches, and other respiratory issues. Conversely, conditions affecting the paranasal sinuses, such as sinusitis, can also impact the function of the turbinates and contribute to respiratory problems. Understanding the relationship between the turbinates and the paranasal sinuses is crucial for diagnosing and treating upper respiratory disorders.

Related terms

Nasal Cavity:

The hollow space inside the nose that serves as the main airway for breathing and is lined with the turbinates.

Paranasal Sinuses: The air-filled cavities surrounding the nasal cavity, including the maxillary, ethmoid, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses, which are connected to and influenced by the turbinates.

Nasal Conchae: The bony projections within the nasal cavity, of which the turbinates are a type, that help to warm, humidify, and filter air as it passes through the nose.