Morphology of Human Nasal Mucosa on the Inferior Turbinate: A Structural Model

Abstract

Representative samples of nasal mucosa were examined in 25 patients without nasal or paranasal symptoms with the aim of determining the types of epithelium that line the medial surface of the inferior turbinate. The collected material was examined by light microscopy and the structural details were determined by electron microscopy. We conclude that the inferior turbinate is lined by respiratory epithelium on only 10% of its surface. The rest is lined by stratified epithelia: squamous (8.2%), columnar ciliated (13.6%), and cuboidal (46.6%). Thus cuboidal epithelium is the most widespread and presents variable features. Intermediate epithelial types without defined characteristics were found in transitional zones on 21.6% of the surface. Based on our results, we offer a new concept of the constitution of the nasal mucosa. This revised concept can be helpful in understanding the physiology of the organ, as well as for the correct interpretation of biopsies and smears of the human nasal mucosa.