Editing Nasal concha (section)

==Function==
The conchae comprise most of the [[mucosal]] tissue of the [[human nose|nose]] and are required for functional [[respiratory system|respiration]]. They are enriched with airflow pressure and temperature-sensing nerve receptors (linked to the [[trigeminal nerve]] route, the [[fifth cranial nerve]]), allowing for tremendous erectile capabilities of [[nasal congestion]] and decongestion, in response to the [[weather]] conditions and changing needs of the body.<ref name="Reddy"/> In addition, the erectile tissue undergoes an often unnoticed cycle of partial congestion and decongestion called the [[nasal cycle]]. The flow of blood to the nasal mucosa in particular the [[corpus cavernosus conchae|venous plexus of the conchae]] is regulated by the [[pterygopalatine ganglion]] and heats or cools the air in the nose.

The nasopulmonary and nasothoracic [[reflex]]es regulate the mechanism of breathing through deepening of inhalation. Triggered by the flow of the air, the pressure of the air in the nose, and the quality of the air, impulses from the nasal mucosa are transmitted by the trigeminal nerve to the [[control of respiration|breathing centres]] in the [[brainstem]], and the generated response is transmitted to the [[bronchus|bronchi]], the [[intercostal muscle]]s, and the [[Thoracic diaphragm|diaphragm]].

The conchae are also responsible for [[filter (air)|filtration]], heating, and humidification of air inhaled through the nose. Of these three, filtration is achieved mostly by other more effective means such as mucus and cilia. As air passes over the conchae, it is heated to 32–34&nbsp;°C (89–93&nbsp;°F), humidified (up to 98% [[dew point|water saturation]]) and filtered.<ref name="Reddy"/>

===Immunological role===
The [[respiratory epithelium]] that covers the erectile tissue (or [[lamina propria]]) of the conchae plays a major role in the body's first line of [[immunological]] defense. The [[respiratory epithelium]] is partially composed of [[mucus]]-producing [[goblet cell]]s. This secreted mucus covers the nasal cavities, and serves as a filter, by trapping air-borne particles larger than 2 to 3 [[micrometers]]. The respiratory epithelium also serves as a means of access for the [[lymphatic system]], which protects the body from being infected by viruses or bacteria.<ref name="Gray"/>

===Smell===
The conchae provide, first and foremost, the humidity needed to preserve the delicate [[olfactory epithelium]], which in turn is needed to keep the olfactory receptors healthy and alert. If the epithelial layer gets dry or irritated, it may cease to function. This is usually a temporary condition but, over time, may lead to chronic [[anosmia]].<ref name="Reddy"/> The turbinates also increase the [[surface area]] of the inside of the nose, and, by directing and deflecting airflow across the maximum mucosal surface of the inner nose, they are able to propel the inspired air. This, coupled with the humidity and filtration provided by the conchae, helps to carry more scent molecules towards the higher, and very narrow regions of the nasal airways, where olfaction nerve receptors are located.<ref name="Gray"/>

The superior conchae completely cover and protect the nerve axons piercing through the [[cribriform plate]] (a porous bone plate that separates the nose from the brain) into the nose. Some areas of the middle conchae are also [[innervate]]d by the olfactory bulb. All three pairs of conchae are innervated by [[pain]] and [[temperature]] receptors, via the [[trigeminal nerve]] (or, the fifth [[cranial nerve]]).<ref name="Reddy"/> Research has shown that there is a strong connection between these nerve endings and activation of the olfactory receptors, but science has yet to fully explain this interaction.