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Nasal anatomy

Nasal anatomy

Overview

The nasal cavity is the first part of the respiratory system where air enters to begin the breathing process. The nasal conchae are so called for their shell-shaped structure. The conchae form the lateral walls of the nasal cavity.

Review Date 11/2/2023

Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.