Histology of the nasal septal swell body (septal turbinate).
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the vascular and glandular elements of the nasal septal swell body (NSB) and quantitatively compare these to the inferior turbinate (IT) and non-swell body portion of septum.


METHODS
Fourteen healthy adults undergoing septoplasty and IT reduction were submitted to unilateral biopsies of the NSB, the adjacent inferior turbinate, and inferior septum. Photomicrography with morphometric analysis was used to determine the relative area proportions of each tissue type.


RESULTS
NSB was rich in seromucinous glands (49.9% +/- 7.0%) compared to IT (19.9% +/- 5.5%), P < 0.01. Conversely, IT mucosa demonstrated increased area proportion of venous sinusoids (28.3 +/- 13.9) compared to NSB (10.0 +/- 6.0), P < 0.01. Inferior septal mucosa had glandular and vascular elements similar in proportion to that of NSB.


CONCLUSIONS
NSB is a highly glandular structure of the anterior-superior septum, with moderate proportion of venous sinusoids. Located at the distal valve segment, the NSB appears structured for secretory function and vasoactive airflow regulation.
Division of Otolaryngology, Fallon Clinic, Worcester, Massachusetts 01608, USA. David.wexler@fallon-clinic.com
David
D
Wexler
Itzhak
I
Braverman
Mary
M
Amar
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000166:cytology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012016:Reference Values; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014420:Turbinates / Q000166:cytology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging