Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
15:40
An Effective Manual Deboning Method To Prepare Intact Mouse Nasal Tissue With Preserved Anatomical Organization
Published on: August 10, 2013
Supreme nasal conchae in human cadavers: prevalence, morphometry, and a new classification proposal
Mauro Bezerra Montello1, Sofia Helyeth Ramirez Cardenas2, Themístocles da Silva Negreiros Neto2
1Group of Study and Research in Human Anatomy (NEPAH), Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Universitary Campus, Av Salgado Filho S/N, Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, 59078-900, Brazil. mauro.montello@ufrn.br.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Supreme nasal concha (SupNC) is a common variant, while Zuckerkandl's concha (ZC) is rare. A new classification system for SupNC based on morphology and morphometry can aid surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Surgical Anatomy
- Anthropology
Background:
- Extranumerary nasal conchae, including the supreme nasal concha (SupNC) and Zuckerkandl's concha (ZC), are uncommon anatomical variants.
- Their prevalence and morphometry are poorly defined, impacting endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery.
- No prior cadaveric study has simultaneously assessed prevalence, detailed morphometry, and developed a data-driven SupNC classification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and morphometry of extranumerary nasal conchae in cadavers.
- To propose a novel, clinically oriented classification for the supreme nasal concha (SupNC) integrating morphological and quantitative parameters.
- To investigate the relationship between concha number and nasal cavity dimensions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional cadaveric study involving 59 hemisections with preserved nasal conchae.
- Conchae were counted, and SupNCs classified using existing and a new proposed system.
- Morphometric analysis was performed using digital calipers and ImageJ software.
Main Results:
- The supreme nasal concha (SupNC) was present in 37.3% of hemisections, while Zuckerkandl's concha (ZC) was found in 1.7%.
- Significant morphometric differences were observed in middle and superior concha areas, length, and height between hemisections with and without extranumerary conchae.
- Principal component analysis (PCA) identified two distinct SupNC clusters: Straight (Type I) and Triangular (Type II).
Conclusions:
- The supreme nasal concha (SupNC) is a relatively common anatomical variant, whereas Zuckerkandl's concha (ZC) is rare.
- The proposed classification system, based on morphology and morphometry, shows potential for improving preoperative CT evaluation and intraoperative guidance.
- Understanding these anatomical variations is crucial for successful endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeries.
Keywords:
Endoscopic sinus surgeryEthmoid boneNasal turbinatesPrincipal component analysisSupreme nasal conchaZuckerkandl’s conchaMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Nose and Nasal Cavity
The nose is composed of an observable exterior segment (external nose) and an internal segment within the skull known as the nasal cavity (internal nose). The external nose, visible on the face, consists of a framework of bone and hyaline cartilage enveloped in skin and muscle and lined with a mucous membrane. This structure is supported by the frontal bone, nasal bones, and maxillary bone and is supplemented by a cartilaginous framework comprising the septal nasal cartilage, lateral nasal...
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
01:08Overview of the Skull
The cranium (skull) is the skeletal structure of the head that supports the face and protects the brain. It is subdivided into the facial bones and the brain case, or cranial vault. The facial bones underlie the facial structures, form the nasal cavity, enclose the eyeballs, and support the teeth of the upper and lower jaws.
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
01:18Classification of Bones
The bones of the human skeletal system are of varied shapes, sizes, and functions. They can be classified based on their shape and function into four major classes: long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones. Some classifications include a fifth type, the sesamoid bones, as a separate class, whereas others categorize them under short bones.
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...
01:22Sutures of the Skull
The human skull is composed of several bones that come together to protect the brain and support the structures of the face. The junctions where these bones meet are called sutures.
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...