The Septal Swell Body: An Anatomic Misnomer

Abstract

Several recent publications describe a “septal swell body” within the nasal cavity. We review the corresponding sinonasal anatomy and revisit early anatomical descriptions to assess whether this designation is an “anatomical misnomer” and if the classic anatomical nomenclature should be preserved. Citations for the septal swell body and synonyms were searched using PubMed and Cochrane Library databases from inception until December 31, 2023. Classic anatomy articles and historical medical textbooks were also reviewed for references to the regional anatomy and nomenclature. Our database search revealed a variety of anatomical terms for the septal or nasal swell body. However, classic historical anatomical texts that predate the introduction of modern database searches used the terms tuberculum septi or septal tubercle. Accurate knowledge of paranasal sinus anatomy is key in surgery. Precise nomenclature, based on official terms and named anatomical entities, makes communication clear, which is essential for surgical training, medical education, and patient care. Changing anatomical nomenclature and terminology if the existing terms are not wrong can lead to confusion, misunderstanding, anatomical jargon, and misnomers. We recommend the use of tuberculum septi or its English translation “septal tubercle” to denote the thickened area of normal anterior septal anatomy described herein. We also underscore a limitation of modern electronic literature searches in anatomical research.