Final answer:
The nasal conchae consist of three bony shelves in the nasal cavity; the superior and middle nasal conchae are part of the ethmoid bone, and the inferior nasal conchae is a separate bone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three bony shelves that protrude from the lateral walls of the nasal cavity and extend into the nasal passageway parallel to the nasal floor are known as the nasal conchae. Specifically, these are the superior and middle nasal conchae, which are parts of the ethmoid bone, and the independent inferior nasal conchae bone. These structures serve important functions in the respiratory system, including increasing the surface area of the nasal cavity, disrupting airflow, and conditioning the air by warming and humidifying it, as well as conserving water to prevent dehydration of the nasal epithelium.