What is the inferior nasal concha?

• A. A curved groove on the maxillary sinus.
• B. A detached portion of the vomer.
• C. A bone forming part of the zygomatic arch.
• D. A bony structure extending from the lateral wall of the nasal cavity toward the nasal septum.

Answer: (D)

The inferior nasal concha is a separate, scroll-shaped bone that projects from the lateral wall of the nasal cavity and curves medially toward the nasal septum. It sits as the lowest of the three nasal conchae and helps form the inferior nasal meatus. Along with the superior and middle conchae (the latter two are part of the ethmoid bone), it increases the surface area inside the nose to warm, humidify, and filter the air we breathe and to create turbulent flow that conditions the air before it reaches the lungs. It’s not a groove on the maxillary sinus, not a detached piece of the vomer, and not part of the zygomatic arch.