What are the superior, middle, and inferior nasal meatuses?

The nasal meatuses are the passageways located beneath the nasal conchae (or turbinate bones), which are bony ridges projecting from the lateral wall of the nasal cavity. These meatuses are defined by their position relative to the turbinates:1

• Superior nasal meatus: Located between the superior and middle turbinated bones, this passage contains the openings of the posterior ethmoidal air cells.2
• Middle nasal meatus: Situated between the middle and inferior turbinated bones, this is the largest of the three meatuses. It contains the bulla ethmoidalis and the hiatus semilunaris, which communicates with the frontal air sinus and the maxillary antrum.2
• Inferior nasal meatus: Positioned below the inferior turbinated bone, this passage houses the valvular opening of the nasal duct.2

These structures are integral to the anatomy of the olfactory system, as they help manage airflow through the nasal passages.21