Final answer:
The nasal septum is formed by the ethmoid bone and the vomer bone. Each lateral wall of the nasal cavity contains bony projections called the nasal conchae. The conchae increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, disrupt the flow of air, and help clean and warm the air as it enters the nose.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Nasal Septum and Nasal Conchae
The nasal septum consists of both bone and cartilage components. The upper portion of the septum is formed by the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, and the lower and posterior parts are formed by the triangular-shaped vomer bone. Each lateral wall of the nasal cavity has three bony projections called the superior, middle, and inferior nasal conchae. The inferior conchae are separate bones, whereas the superior and middle conchae are portions of the ethmoid bone.
The conchae serve to increase the surface area of the nasal cavity, disrupt the flow of air, and help clean and warm the air as it enters the nose. They also conserve water and prevent dehydration of the nasal epithelium by trapping water during exhalation.