The inferior turbinate: An autonomic organ |
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Authors: | Drew H Smith Christopher D Brook Shahab Virani Michael P Platt |
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Institution: | 1. Florida International University School of Medicine, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America;2. Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University Medical Center, 820 Harrison Ave, FGH Building, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America |
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Abstract: | The inferior turbinate has well-recognized respiratory and immune functions to provide the airway with appropriate warmth, humidification, and filtration of the inspired air while sampling the environment for pathogens. Normal functioning of the inferior turbinate relies on an intact autonomic system to maintain homeostasis within the nasal cavity. The autonomic nervous system innervates the submucosal glands and the vasculature within the inferior turbinate, resulting in control of major turbinate functions: nasal secretions, nasal patency, warmth, and humidification. This review will summarize the autonomic innervations of the turbinates, both the normal and abnormal autonomic processes that contribute to the turbinate functions, and the clinical considerations regarding optimal functioning of the turbinate autonomic system. |
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Keywords: | Inferior turbinate Autonomic Nasal cavity Nasal concha Nasal patency Nasal cycle Nasal secretion |
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