Which structures are described as causing turbulence and helping to warm and humidify air in the nasal cavity?

• A. Cilia In The Vestibular Zone
• B. Conchae In The Olfactory Zone
• C. Epiglottis
• D. Bronchi

Answer: (B)

Air in the nasal cavity is conditioned by warming and humidifying it as it flows over a large, moist surface. The nasal conchae (turbinates) are the bony shelves that project into the airway and disrupt smooth airflow, creating turbulence. This turbulence increases the air’s contact with the mucous membrane, where heat and moisture transfer occur, so the incoming air is warmed and humidified before it reaches the lungs. The olfactory region sits near the top of the nasal cavity, and the conchae are part of the nasal passages that pass air through this area, helping condition it as it moves toward the lower airways.

Other structures don’t serve this warming and humidifying role. Cilia in the vestibular region help move mucus, not condition the air. The epiglottis is involved in protecting the airway during swallowing, not air conditioning in the nasal cavity. The bronchi are part of the lower airway and do not participate in conditioning inhaled air in the nasal passages.