The
inferior nasal concha (
inferior turbinated bone or
inferior turbinal/turbinate) is one of the
turbinates in the
nose. It extends horizontally along the lateral wall of the
nasal cavity and consists of a of spongy
bone, curled upon itself like a scroll. Each inferior nasal concha is considered a pair of facial bones since they arise from the
maxillae bones and projects horizontally into the nasal cavity. They are also termed 'inferior nasal turbinates' because they function similar to that of a turbine: As the air passes through the turbinates, the air is churned against these mucosa-lined bones in order to receive warmth, moisture and cleansing. Superior to inferior nasal concha are the
middle nasal concha and
superior nasal concha which arise from the cranial portion of the skull. Hence, these two are considered as a part of the cranial bones.