septal body: revisited

ABSTRACT

The term septal body refers to a thickened area of the nasal septum that is located superior to the inferior turbinate and anterior to the middle turbinate. Despite its important role in changing nasal airflow resistance, little attention was given to it. Clinically, a well developed septal body may be misdiagnosed as high septal deviation. The aim of the present work was to reassess the histological characteristics of the septal body mucosa and the morphometric differences between it and the adjacent septal mucosa. This information was then used to determine the exact location and surface area of the septal body. The study was performed on 30 cadaveric specimens [60 sides]. Serial numbered sections of the whole septal mucosa were stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as PAS alcian blue stains. Morphometric analysis was performed to determine the histological differences between the septal body mucosa, the anterior septal mucosa, and the inferior septal mucosa. The precise boundaries of the septal body area were then defined in a way similar to the Mohs micrographic surgical technique. The histological characteristics of the septal body mucosa included thick [more than 60 microns] pseudo stratified ciliated respiratory epithelium with goblet cells, abundant seromucinous glands, and many blood sinusoids. Morphometric analysis showed that the septal body mucosa had thicker epithelium and more glandular acini and blood sinusoids than the rest of the septal mucosa. Mapping of the septal body area showed that its anterior end is 2.2 cm +/- 0.3 behind the caudal edge of the septal cartilage, and its inferior border is 1.1 cm +/- 0.2 above the floor of the nose. The mean horizontal diameter of the septal body was 2.0 cm +/- 0.15, and the mean vertical diameter was 1.5 cm +/- 0.11. The present study determined the morphometric characteristics of the septal body as well as its location and surface area. The intimate relationship of the septal body to the internal nasal valve and the histological characteristics of its mucosa should stimulate research into its potential role in modifying nasal airflow pattern and resistance, and controlling the ability of the nose to change the humidity and temperature of the inspiratory air stream