conchae location and function
the conchae and nasal mucosa function during inhalation to filter, heat, and moisten the air. during exhalation, they reclaim this heat and moisture. the inhaled air cools the conchae, and then during exhalation these cooled conchae precipitate moisture and extract heat from the humid air flowing over them. this reclamation mechanism minimizes the amount of moisture and heat lost from the body through breathing, helping people to survive in dry and cold climates.
B - The conchae are bones stuck to the sides of the nasal cavity. While there is kind of a spiral to them (think surfing in a wave that hasn't collapsed yet or go here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gray85... C - The sense of smell comes from the upper nasal cavity and is not dependant on the conchae. D - is the correct answer!!! That wave like structure causes air to spin and get stuck in the nasal cavity for a little bit longer so that it can be moisturized and the mucus has a bit more time to trap any thing that is in the incoming air.