Nasal cavity: superior concha
The superior concha extends into the nasal cavity. Because its medial surface is covered by olfactory epithelium and its lateral surface is lined by respiratory epithelium, this section through the superior concha allows comparison of these two membranes. 200x
Orientation >
The outline in the inset shows the location from which this section was taken, including the superior concha (arrow) extending into the superior region of the nasal cavity. The location of the olfactory epithelium covering the medial surface of this concha is colored purple; non-olfactory epithelium lines the lateral surface of the concha.
Respiratory epithelium >
Respiratory epithelium lines the non-olfactory region of the nasal fossae, represented here by the lateral surface of a superior concha. This epithelium is pseudostratified columnar epithelium with cilia, goblet cells and neuronal cell bodies. The underlying lamina propria is rich in blood vessels to moderate air temperature.
- Lamina propria
Respiratory epithelium lines the non-olfactory region of the nasal fossae, represented here by the lateral surface of a superior concha. This epithelium is pseudostratified columnar epithelium with cilia, goblet cells and neuronal cell bodies. The underlying lamina propria is rich in blood vessels to moderate air temperature.
Ethmoid bone >
An extension of the ethmoid bone, the superior concha, provides internal support.
Olfactory epithelium >
Olfactory epithelium lines the medial surface of the superior concha. This pseudostratified columnar epithelium with cilia is markedly thicker than that of respiratory regions. The underlying lamina propria is also thicker, filled with serous secreting Bowman’s glands and cranial sensory nerves supplying both general and special sensations.
- Lamina propria
Olfactory epithelium lines the medial surface of the superior concha. This pseudostratified columnar epithelium with cilia is markedly thicker than that of respiratory regions. The underlying lamina propria is also thicker, filled with serous secreting Bowman’s glands and cranial sensory nerves supplying both general and special sensations.
- Bowman's glands
Olfactory epithelium lines the medial surface of the superior concha. This pseudostratified columnar epithelium with cilia is markedly thicker than that of respiratory regions. The underlying lamina propria is also thicker, filled with serous secreting Bowman’s glands and cranial sensory nerves supplying both general and special sensations.
- Sensory nerves
Olfactory epithelium lines the medial surface of the superior concha. This pseudostratified columnar epithelium with cilia is markedly thicker than that of respiratory regions. The underlying lamina propria is also thicker, filled with serous secreting Bowman’s glands and cranial sensory nerves supplying both general and special sensations.
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