Anatomical and histological study of the dorsal and ventral nasal conchal bullae in normal horses.
Authors: Froydenlund T J, Dixon P M, Smith S H, Reardon R J M
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Nasal Conchal Bullae in Horses Chronic unilateral nasal discharge caused by infection of the dorsal and ventral conchal bullae has emerged as a recognised clinical entity, yet the normal anatomy of these structures has remained poorly characterised until now. Froydenlund and colleagues conducted a systematic anatomical and histological examination of fourteen cadaveric equine heads, documenting precise measurements of both bullae, their internal architecture, drainage pathways, and tissue composition. The dorsal conchal bulla (DCB) proved substantially larger than its ventral counterpart (mean lengths 78 mm versus 57 mm respectively, representing approximately 14 per cent and 10 per cent of skull length), containing a greater number of internal septae, cellulae, and drainage apertures, whilst both structures comprised ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium with underlying glandular submucosa and variable cartilaginous support. Notably, no direct communications existed between these bullae and adjacent paranasal sinuses—a finding with important implications for understanding how infection becomes localised and how drainage pathways might become obstructed. For practitioners managing horses with chronic nasal discharge, this detailed anatomical baseline provides essential reference data for recognising abnormality on endoscopy and cross-sectional imaging, and should inform both surgical approaches and diagnostic expectations when investigating these previously underappreciated sinonasal structures.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Detailed anatomical reference for clinicians treating infected conchal bullae and chronic unilateral nasal discharge in horses
- •Knowledge that DCB and VCB are anatomically separate from paranasal sinuses helps guide diagnostic imaging and surgical approach planning
- •Understanding the internal structure and drainage patterns is essential for successful treatment of bulla infections
Key Findings
- •Mean DCB length 78 mm (13.9% of skull length) and mean VCB length 57 mm (10.2% of skull length)
- •DCB larger than VCB with more septae, cellulae, and drainage apertures
- •No communications identified between bullae and immediately adjacent paranasal sinuses
- •Bullae lined with ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium over glandular submucosa with underlying turbinate bone and variable hyaline cartilage