The spelling of the word "turbinated crest" may be confusing, but it can be broken down phonetically. The first syllable is pronounced "TER-buh-nay-tid," with the stress on the second syllable. The second syllable is pronounced "krest." The word refers to a bony protrusion in the nasal cavity that helps humidify and warm incoming air. While the spelling may be difficult to remember, understanding the phonetics behind it can help in pronunciation.
Turbinated crest refers to a physiological feature found within the nasal cavity. It is characterized by a delicate and convoluted structure, resembling a spiraling ridge or crest, that is located on the lateral walls of the nasal passages. The term "turbinated" originates from the word "turbinates," which are bony structures covered by highly vascularized tissue known as nasal conchae.
The turbinated crest plays a crucial role in nasal function. Its convoluted shape acts as a mechanism to increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, allowing for efficient conditioning and filtration of inhaled air. It aids in humidifying, warming, and filtering the air before it reaches the respiratory system. The crests' rich vascularization creates moist surfaces that aid in humidification and prevents dryness of the respiratory tract. Additionally, the turbulent airflow caused by the crests promotes the removal of particulate matter, allergens, and foreign particles from the air.
Furthermore, the turbinated crest assists in directing the airflow, ensuring that it passes over the olfactory epithelium, which contains specialized cells responsible for detecting odors. This plays a vital role in the sense of smell.
In summary, the turbinated crest is a convoluted and delicate ridge found in the nasal cavity. It facilitates the conditioning and filtration of inhaled air, contributing to the functions of humidification, warming, filtering, and olfaction.
• Crista ethmoidalis; crista conchalis.
• Crista conchalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "turbinated" is derived from the Latin word "turbinatus", which means "having the shape of a top" or "whirling". The term refers to any structure or organ that is shaped like a coil or spiral. In the case of the word "turbinated crest", it specifically pertains to a bony ridge or projection found inside the nasal cavity.
The word "crest" has its origins in the Old English word "cræst", which means "comb" or "crest". It is related to the Middle High German word "krist", meaning "comb" or "crest". In the context of anatomy, a "crest" refers to a ridge or any raised linear projection.
Therefore, when combined, the term "turbinated crest" refers to a spiral or coiled bony ridge found within the nasal cavity.