{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }} {{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }} The nasal septum is the central structure inside the nose that divides the nasal cavity into left and right sides, and it is comprised of cartilage, bone, and mucous membranes on either side. The skin below the septum is the columella. You can actually pinch the skin of the columella and move it back and forth over the caudal (lower edge or "tail" end) of the septal cartilage. The frenulum is the band of mucous membrane that runs from the midline of the lip to the gum inside your upper and lower lips. Another frenulum is the band on the underside of the tongue. In non-medical terms, the columella is the skin that hangs down between your nostrils. This is where an incision is made for open rhinoplasty. Closed rhinoplasty uses incisions only inside the nostrils. BTW, any physician (not just rhinoplasty surgeons) knows this anatomic definition is definitive.

Hope that clears this up! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen The Anatomy of a Nose | Rhinoplasty in NYC Tatler Magazine (2013) - Top Rhinoplasty Surgeon in NYC/New York Understanding the anatomy of the nose will help us to understand what gives noses their distinctive appearances. The anatomy of the nose can be used to refer to the structure of the nose while discussing facial features. Dr. Rizk stresses the importance for any surgeon to understand the nose structure before performing rhinoplasty. This is necessary so that the surgeon can develop the rhinoplasty surgery plans according to the structure of the nose. The nasal anatomy is very complicated. The support of your nose is made of nasal bones (which are not moveable and which you can feel between your eyelids) and of cartilage (which is moveable and makes up the support of the middle part and end of your nose (nasal tip). The space inside your nose is divided into two passages by your nasal septum. Your nasal cavities are lined with nasal mucous membrane, except for the areas just inside your nostrils, which are lined with skin and hair.

The vertical structure between the two nostrils that attaches your nasal tip to your upper lip is called columella. The attachments of your nostrils on each side to your cheeks are called alae. If your nasal septum is crooked or deviated because it grew that way, or because you suffered a nasal injury with a fracture of your nose and septum, then the outside shape of your nose may be crooked in the same way. A crooked nasal septum can also restrict breathing on one side or both sides of your nose. Sometimes, correcting a crooked nose not only enables you to breathe better but also reduces snoring. A surgeon changes the shape of your nose by modifying or reducing the size or shape of the nasal cartilages and bones. Cartilage may be harvested from your nasal septum, your ear, or a rib if you need extra cartilage to replace or augment an injured or depressed area. Cartilage may be useful in improving the shape of your nasal tip. The human nose is mainly composed of bones, cartilage and fibro fatty tissues. The external features of the nose depend upon the underlying bones and cartilage.

Depending upon external features, human nose can be divided into the following types: Roman or aquiline Nubian Turn up The upper part of the nose consists mainly made of bones which act as a support structure. The portion of the nose near the eye sockets is made up of two nasal bones which join to form the nasal bridge. On the sides, nasal bones are connected with lateral process by a fibrous membrane and at the base; these nasal bones are connected with the nasal cartilage. The lower part of the nose is made up of cartilages which are responsible for the shape of external features of the nose. The nose bridge and the septal cartilage form the nasal septum. This nasal septum separates the nostrils. The nostrils continue with nasal cavity. The turbinate or conchae are the bones that divide nasal cavity into air passages. The diagram below explains the anatomy of the nose: Two lateral cartilages surround the septal nasal cartilage. Below the lateral nasal cartilage, the greater alar cartilage is present. This alar cartilage forms the lateral and medial walls of the nostrils. There are four lesser alar cartilages which along with the greater alar cartilage provide the overall shape to nostrils.

The nostrils and nasal cavity both have a lining of mucous membrane and cilia. The mucous membrane secretes the mucus which filters the air and along with cilia prevents microorganisms from entering the body. The face region around the nose contains sinuses which are hollow air cavities. The nasal muscles are divided into four categories. These include elevators, depressors, compressors and dilators. These muscles are interconnected by what is called nasal superficial masculoaponuerotic system. The surface anatomy of the nose can be divided into four classes. The frontal anatomy of the nose consists of glabella, nasion, tip defining points and alar sidewalls of the nose. The basal anatomy consists of columella, soft tissues, nostrils and infra tip lobule. The other two classes are the lateral and the oblique classes. It is important that the anatomy of the nose be understood well by the surgeon who has to perform rhinoplasty so that the surgery can be performed successfully and all types of complications can be avoided. Dr. Rizk also points out that the structure of the nose must also be understood for revision rhinoplasty, in which the surgeon has to study how the nose looked like before the first surgery was performed.

DIAGRAMS: The blue area in the tip on all the diagrams denotes the tip cartilages (called Lower lateral cartilages). The upper part of bridge which (in white) is the bone and the middle beige part is the cartilaginous part of the bridge (created by dorsal septum and upper lateral cartilages). Anatomy of the nose Anatomy of the Nose Related Procedures The Anatomy of the Nose Although the nose looks like a structure with continuous, flowing lines, it is made up of many separate components that need to fit together in a very specific way to create those lines. The smooth, seamless continuity that nature can create needs to be replicated by the rhinoplasty surgeon. The nose is a hollow organ with an outer skeleton containing empty space. In addition, form and function are very closely related. Specifically, the breathing function of the nose is intimately linked to its shape. Therefore, it is very important that the nose’s function be considered during rhinoplasty surgery. Esthetic modification needs to avoid disrupting the delicate balance that allows the nose to function properly as a breathing organ. Furthermore, if a patient undergoing a rhinoplasty also has breathing difficulties, this needs to be addressed simultaneously.

Therefore, the surgeon needs to have expertise and experience in both esthetic and functional nasal surgery. Components of the Nose The nose is composed of a skeleton covered by “the skin-soft tissue envelope”. The skeleton is composed of several bones and cartilages of different shape connected together. Another very important component of the skeleton, which is inside the nose, is the nasal septum. The septum is a vertical wall separating the two nostrils into right and left. It is similar to a pole holding up a tent. The tent, in this case, is the remaining skeleton of cartilage and bones of the nose, as well as the skin and soft tissue envelope covering them. The skin-soft tissue envelope is composed of layers of soft tissue, muscle, and skin. The Skeleton of the Nose The top third of the nasal skeleton, near the eyes, is composed of the nasal bones. The lower two thirds is composed of cartilage. The septum also forms an integral part of the nasal skeleton. It is a vertical wall that separates the two sides of the nose. Many people have a certain degree of deviation of this septum rendering the space in the two sides of the nose asymmetrical. This does not usually pose a problem.

However, a small number of people have a deviation severe enough to cause a significant narrowing of the breathing passage on one or both sides of the nose. This causes nasal obstruction that is only correctable surgically. The Skin-Soft Tissue Envelope This is a very important component of nasal anatomy that is frequently overlooked by inexperienced surgeons. Skin types vary a great deal among different ethnic groups and a significant variability also exists within members of the same ethnic group. People with fair skin and/or freckles, frequently have thin skin and soft tissues. People with darker skin or people of southern European, Mediterranean or Middle-Eastern descent generally have thicker, oilier skin. In addition, certain groups of people have nasal anatomy that requires specific needs, for example Asians and people of African descent. Rhinoplasty targets mainly the cartilages and bones of the nose. When skin is very thick, particularly at the tip of the nose, it camouflages the tip cartilages and, in the same way, blunts any refinements made to those cartilages. This poses a limitation on the degree of refinement or reshaping that can be accomplished with rhinoplasty. Very thin skin and soft tissues pose a different challenge.

The bone and cartilage are clearly visible under this kind of skin. As a result, even minor imperfections in the underlying structures will be evident. People with very thick or very thin skin can still be good candidates for surgery. Excellent results can be achieved with rhinoplasty, particularly if the surgeon takes into careful consideration the patient’s particular skin type. The Septum A deviated septum should be repaired surgically when it causes either a nasal obstruction or, in certain particular instances, a cosmetic deformity. To obtain the best results, the deviated septum should be surgically repaired during the rhinoplasty. This repair can include removal or reshaping of certain deviated portions of cartilage or bone that form the septum. Therefore, rhinoplasty surgeons should have experience not only in improving the outer esthetics of the nose, but also in repairing its functional aspects. The cartilage has a “memory” Cartilage and bone differ a great deal in their composition, and therefore the techniques used to modify them are different.To alter the shape of a bone, the surgeon can simply break it, reposition it, and let it heal in the desired position. Cartilage is quite different, however.

If one looks at the ear, which is composed entirely of cartilage, it has a very characteristic shape with a variety of curvatures and folds. If one bends the ear and then releases it, it immediately returns to its original shape. This elasticity is what is sometimes referred to as the “memory” of the cartilage. This makes cartilage more challenging for the surgeon to work with. He needs to employ various maneuvers to overcome this memory and ensure that the modifications will be permanent. Our Surgeon Dr. Samaha uses his expertise and extensive experience in both esthetic and functional nasal surgery for the benefit of his patients. This allows him to achieve an optimal esthetic result while maintaining the key functional components of the nose. His patients appreciate their pleasing, natural esthetic result in a nose that breathes well. nose | anatomy | Britannica.com anatomy human respiratory system Nose, the prominent structure between the eyes that serves as the entrance to the respiratory tract and contains the olfactory organ . It provides air for respiration , serves the sense of smell , conditions the air by filtering, warming, and moistening it, and cleans itself of foreign debris extracted from inhalations. Sagittal view of the human nasal cavity.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The nose has two cavities, separated from one another by a wall of cartilage called the septum. The external openings are known as nares or nostrils. The roof of the mouth and the floor of the nose are formed by the palatine bone , the mouth part of which is commonly called the hard palate ; a flap of tissue , the soft palate , extends back into the nasopharynx , the nasal portion of the throat , and during swallowing is pressed upward, thus closing off the nasopharynx so that food is not lodged in the back of the nose. The shape of the nasal cavity is complex. The forward section, within and above each nostril, is called the vestibule . Behind the vestibule and along each outer wall are three elevations, running generally from front to rear. Each elevation, called a nasal concha or turbinate, hangs over an air passage. Beside and above the uppermost concha is the olfactory region of the nasal cavity. The rest of the cavity is the respiratory portion. The respiratory area is lined with a moist mucous membrane with fine hairlike projections known as cilia , which serve to collect debris.

Mucus from cells in the membrane wall also helps to trap particles of dust, carbon, soot, and bacteria. Sinus cavities are located in the bony skull on both sides of the nose. In the olfactory (smelling) portion of the nose, most of the lining is mucous membrane. A small segment of the lining contains the nerve cells that are the actual sensory organs. Fibres, called dendrites , which project from the nerve cells into the nasal cavity, are covered only by a thin layer of moisture. The moisture dissolves microscopic particles that the air has carried into the nose from odour-emitting substances, and the particles dissolved in the fluid stimulate the olfactory nerve cells chemically. Learn More in these related articles: Elements of Morphology: Human Malformation Terminology Human Malformation Terminology References Anatomy of the Nose The normal anatomy of the nose is shown in Figures 1-3: the various terms used for nasal structures and dimensions (Fig. 1), the cartilaginous components of the nose and terms for regions (Fig. 2), and in Figure 3 the cross section is shown. Figure 1 Some anatomical landmarks deserve specific mention as these are not always used with standard meaning.

Nasal Root: The most depressed, superior part of the nose along the nasal ridge. Nasion: The midline point just superior to the nasal root overlying the naso-frontal suture. Nasal Bridge: A saddle-shaped area that includes the nasal root and the lateral aspects of the nose. It lies between the glabella and the inferior boundary of the nasal bone, and extends laterally to the inner canthi. Nasal Ridge: The midline prominence of the nose, extending from the nasal root to the tip (also called the dorsum of the nose). Nasal Base: An imaginary line between the most lateral points of the external inferior attachments of the alae nasi to the face. Nasal Tip: The junction of the inferior margin of the nasal ridge and the columella. Commonly, it is the part of the nose furthest from the plane of the face. In rare circumstances, such as markedly prominent and convex nasal profiles, other parts of the ridge may be further removed from the facial plane. Ala: The tissue comprising the lateral boundary of the nose, inferiorly, surrounding the naris.

Columella: The tissue that links the nasal tip to the nasal base, and separates the nares. It is the inferior margin of the nasal septum. Measurements of the Nose Measurements of the nose are possible using sliding calipers. The reliability of measurements using a tape measure is poor. Furthermore, the actual position of several of the landmarks may preclude accurate measurement. For example, if the nasal tip overhangs the upper lip, the position of subnasale is difficult to define [Hall et al., [ 2007 ]]. Nasal length and width are the most common measurements taken in practice. A short description of how to measure each dimension is provided as the various terms are defined. Growth of the nose does not end at puberty: the nose continues to increase in size with age. There are no normal standards for nasal size in adulthood. The reader is referred to the Handbook of Normal Physical Measurements [Hall et al., [ 2007 ]] for detailed descriptions of measurement techniques, additional nasal measurements not described here, and growth standards. Most are available for Caucasians of Northern European extraction only, and similar standards for other ethnicities are urgently needed.

Anatomical Variation Anomalies of the nose may be classified into quantitative traits and qualitative features: Variations in length: long; short Variations in width: wide nose; narrow nose, broad nasal base; narrow nasal base; broad nasal tip; narrow nasal tip; wide nasal ridge; narrow nasal ridge; wide nasal bridge; narrow nasal bridge; broad columella. Variations in length and width: prominent nose; absent nasal cartilage; absent nose. Variations in shape or position: depressed nasal bridge; depressed nasal ridge; depressed nasal tip; bulbous nose; bifid nasal tip; bifid nose; overhanging nasal tip; deviated nasal tip; fullness of paranasal tissue; prominent nasal bridge; convex nasal ridge; concave nasal ridge; low insertion of the columella; low hanging columella; short columella; high insertion of the columella; thick ala nasi; underdeveloped ala nasi; cleft ala nasi; enlarged naris; narrow naris; single naris; proboscis; supernumerary naris; anteverted nares. Nasal Cartilages Anatomy, Function & Diagram | Body Maps Your message has been sent.

OK We're sorry, an error occurred. We are unable to collect your feedback at this time. However, your feedback is important to us. Please try again later. Close Nasal cartilages The nasal cartilages provide structure and support to the nose. They are primarily composed of hyaline cartilage, which is densely packed with collagen, a structural protein. There are several different kinds. Accessory nasal cartilages are small nasal cartilages that link the greater alar (nostril) and lateral nasal cartilages. Greater alar cartilage is a flexible cartilage that forms part of the structure of the nostrils. Lateral nasal cartilage is a triangular structure, located below the nasal bone. Cartilage of the septum — also known as the quadrangular cartilage because it is roughly quadrilateral in shape — separates the nostrils. It also connects the nasal bones and the lateral cartilages. Vomeronasal cartilage, also known as Jacobson's cartilage, connects the nasal septum (the wall of cartilage that separates the two airways of the nose) and the vomer bone (a thin, flat bone that separates the nostrils).

It was named in 1809 by Dutch anatomist, Ludwig Levin Jacobson. It is close to, but not actually connected with, the vomeronasal organ of Jacobson, which is the body's scent organ that detects pheromones, chemicals that may affect the behaviors of others who smell them. Lesser alar cartilages are three or four small nasal cartilages connected to the upper jawbone. Chapter 52: THE NOSE AND PARANASAL SINUSES Figure legends Chapter 52: The nose and paranasal sinuses The nose (L., nasus; Gk, rhis, rhinos) includes the external nose on the face and the nasal cavity, which extends posteriorly from it. The nose functions in smell and provides filtered, warm, moist air for inspiration. External nose The external nose presents a root (or bridge), a dorsum, and a free tip or apex. The two inferior openings are the nostrils (or nares), bounded laterally by the ala and medially by the nasal septum. The superior part of the nose is supported by the nasal, frontal, and maxillary bones; the inferior part includes several cartilages.

The continuous free margin of the nasal bones and maxillae in a dried skull is termed the piriform aperture. Nasal cavity The nasal cavity extends in an antero-posterior direction from the nostrils, or nares, to the choanae. The choanae are the posterior apertures of the nose. Each choana is bounded medially by the vomer, inferiorly by the horizontal plate of the palatine bone, laterally by the medial pterygoid plate, and superiorly by the body of the sphenoid bone (see figs. 42-12 and 42-13 ). Posteriorly, the nasal cavity communicates with the nasopharynx, which in many respects may be regarded as the posterior portion of the cavity. The nasal cavity is related to the anterior and middle cranial fossae, orbit, and paranasal sinuses and is separated from the oral cavity by the hard palate. In addition to the nostrils and choanae, the nasal cavity presents openings for the paranasal sinuses and the nasolacrimal duct.

Further openings, covered by mucosa in vivo, are found in a dried skull, e.g., the sphenopalatine foramen. The nasal cavity is divided into right and left halves (each of which may be termed a nasal cavity) by the nasal septum. Each half has a roof, floor, and medial and lateral walls. The roof. The roof of the nasal cavity is formed by nasal cartilages and several bones, chiefly the nasal and frontal bones, the cribriform plate of the ethmoid (fig. 52-1 ), and the body of the sphenoid. The floor, wider than the roof, is formed by the palatine process of the maxilla and the horizontal plate of the palatine bone, i.e., by the palate. The medial wall, or nasal septum, is formed (from anteiror to posterior) by (1) the septal cartilage (destroyed in a dried skull), (2) the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, and (3) the vomer (fig. 52-2 B). It is usually deviated to one side. The lowest part of the septum (the columella) is membranous and mobile.

The lateral wall. The lateral wall is uneven and complicated and is formed by several bones: nasal, maxilla, lacrimal and ethmoid, inferior nasal concha, perpendicular plate of palatine, and medial pterygoid plate of sphenoid (fig. 52-2 A). The lateral wall presents three or four medial projections termed nasal conchae, which overlie passages (meatuses). The inferior concha is a separate bone; the others are portions of the ethmoid bone. The conchae were formerly known as turbinates. It should be noted that the plural of meatus is meatus in Latin and meatuses in English (cf fetus). The spheno-ethmoidal recess. The spheno-ethmoidal recess, above and posterior to the superior concha, receives the opening of the sphenoidal sinus. The superior meatus, under cover of the superior concha, receives the openings of the posterior ethmoidal cells and (in a dried skull) the sphenopalatine foramen. The middle meatus, under cover of the middle concha, receives the openings of the maxillary and frontal sinuses.

Most anterior ethmoidal cells open on an elevation (ethmoidal bulla, fig. 52-3 B). A curved slit (hiatus semilunaris) inferior to the bulla receives the opening of the maxillary sinus. The frontal sinus and some anterior ethmoidal cells open either into an extension (ethmoidal infundibulum) of the hiatus or directly into the anterior part (frontal recess) of the middle meatus. The inferior meatus, which lies between the inferior concha and the palate, receives the termination of the nasolacrimal duct. The nasal cavity can be examined in vivo either through a nostril or through the pharynx. A nasal speculum in a nostril is used in anterior rhinoscopy. A postnasal mirror inserted into the pharynx through the mouth enables the choanae to be inspected in posterior rhinoscopy (figs. 52-4 and 53-11 B). Subdivisions. It is convenient to divide the nasal cavity into a vestibule, a respiratory region, and an olfactory region. The vestibule is a slight dilatation inside the nostril (see fig.

52-3 A), limited by a ridge (limen nasi) over which skin becomes continuous with mucosa. The respiratory region is covered by mucoperichondrium and mucoperiosteum. The posterior two thirds show active ciliary motion for rapid drainage backward and downward into the nasopharynx. The nasal mucosa is highly vascular, and it warms and moistens the incoming air. The mucosa contains large venous-like spaces ("swell bodies"), which may become congested during allergic reactions or infections. The middle meatus is continuous on the anterior side with a depression (atrium; see fig. 52-3 A) that is limited above by a ridge (agger nasi). The olfactory region is bounded by the superior concha and the superior third of the nasal septum. The olfactory mucosa contains bipolar neurons (olfactory cells), the dendrites of which reach the surface. The axons are collected into about 20 bundles known collectively as the olfactory (first cranial) nerve. These pass through the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone and synapse in the olfactory bulb. The olfactory nerve is tested by closing one nostril and presenting a test substance to the other.

Innervation. The nerves of ordinary sensation are derived from the first two divisions of the trigeminal nerve (fig. 52-5 A, B, and C). These are responsible for sensations of touch, pressure and temperature in the nose. The nerves for the posterior and larger portion of the nasal cavity come from branches of the pterygopalatine ganglion that are derived from the maxillary nerve. The chief sympathetic (vasoconstrictor) and parasympathetic (vasodilator and secretory) innervation of the nasal cavity follow nerve branches arising in the region of the pterygopalatine ganglion, but some sympathetic fibers are carried along the walls of arteries. Parasympathetic preganglionic nerve fibers to the nose leave the brain with the facial nerve and pass through the greater petrosal nerve and the nerve of the pterygoid canal to reach the pterygopalatine ganglion, where they synapse. Sympathetic preganglionic nerve fibers leave the upper thoracic spinal cord and traverse white rami communicans in that region, ascend the cervical sympathetic chain and synapse in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion.

The postganglionic nerve fibers follow the internal carotid artery and then the nerve of the pterygoid canal to reach the pterygopalatine fossa. These nerve fibers pass through the ganglion to join branches of the maxiallary nerve and artery to reach the nasal mucosa. Blood supply and lymphatic drainage. The most important arteries to the nasal cavity are the sphenopalatine (from the maxillary) artery and the anterior ethmoidal (from the ophthalmic) artery. Bleeding from the nose (epistaxis) occurs usually from the junction between septal branches of the superior labial and sphenopalatine arteries. The lymph vessels drain into deep cervical nodes. Communications probably occur between the nasal lymphatics and the subarachnoid space, probably through the sheath of the olfactory nerve. Paranasal sinuses (fig. 52-6 ) The paranasal sinuses are cavities in the interior of the maxilla and the frontal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones. The sinuses develop as outgrowths from the nasal cavity; hence they all drain directly or indirectly into the nose.

Nasal infection (rhinitis), e.g., during a "cold in the head," may spread to the sinuses (sinusitis). The lining of the sinuses (muco-endosteum) is continuous with the nasal mucosa. The sinuses develop mostly after birth, and their degree of development varies greatly. Their function is obscure but they provide resonance to the voice, shape to the face and some degree of warmth and humidification to inspired air. The paranasal sinuses are supplied by branches of the ophthalmic and maxillary nerves. The sinuses can be examined radiographically, and a light placed agains the roof of the mouth enables the maxillary sinus to be transilluminated. Maxillary sinus (see fig. 42-6 ). The maxillary sinus, the largest of the sinuses, is within the body of the maxilla. It is shaped like a pyramid; its base is usually medial, with its apex in the zygomatic process of the maxilla. Its roof is the floor of the orbit, and its floor is the alveolar process of the maxilla. The maxillary sinus drains into the middle meatus by means of the semilunar hiatus.

The floor of the maxillary sinus is slightly below the level of the nasal cavity, and it is related to the upper teeth (varying from teeth 3 to 8 to teeth 6 to 8). Maxillary sinusitis is frequently accompanied by toothache. Infection may spread among the various sinuses, the nasal cavity, and the teeth. The opening of the maxillary sinus can be cannulated in vivo through the nostril. Ethmoidal sinus. The ethmoidal sinus comprises numerous small cavities (ethmoidal cells) in the ethmoidal labyrinth. The walls of these cavities are completed by the surrounding bones. Anterior and posterior groups drain into the middle and superior meatuses, respectively (see fig. 52-3 ). Frontal sinus (see figs. 42-4 , 42-5 , and 53-4 ). The frontal sinus may be regarded as an anterior ethmoidal cell that has invaded the frontal bone postnatally. The right and left frontal sinuses, frequently of different sizes, are separated by a bony septum that is usually deviated to one side.

The frontal sinus drains into the middle meatus in a variable manner directly or by a frontonasal duct, which opens into the frontal recess or the ethmoidal infundibulum. The frontal sinus commonly extends posterorward in the roof of the orbit (see fig. 45-10 ). Sphenoidal sinus (see figs. 42-18 , 52-2 , and 53-4 ). The sphenoidal sinus is in the body of the sphenoid bone, and it varies greatly in size. Its superior aspect is related to the hypophysis (pituitary) and the optic nerves and chiasma and laterally to the cavernous sinus and internal carotid artery (fig. 43-22 ). The sphenoidal sinus drains into the spheno-ethmoidal recess superior to the superior concha. The sinus is divided into right and left parts by a bony septum. Additional reading Proetz, A. W., Essays on the Applied Physiology of the Nose, 2nd ed., Annals Publishing Co., St. Louis, 1953. An interesting functional account. Ritter, F.

N., The Paranasal Sinuses, Mosby, St. Louis, 1973. Includes a photographic atlas of coronal sections and radiograms. Schaeffer, J. P., The Nose, Paranasal Sinuses, Nasolacrimal Passageways, and Olfactory Organ in Man, Blakiston, Philadelphia, 1920. A classic text on the anatomy and development of these structures. Terracol, J., and Ardouin, P., Anatomie des fosses nasales et des cavites annexes, Maloine, Paris, 1965. A detailed account. Questions 52-1 What are the anterior and posterior apertures of the nose termed? 52-1 The anterior and posterior apertures of the nose are the nostrils (or nares) and the choanae, respectively. 52-2 What are the nasal conchae? 52-2 The nasal conchae are three or four shell-shaped, bony projections on the lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

Concha is the Latin form of a Greek work meaning" shell." The inferior concha is an independent entity, whereas the others are parts of the ethmoid bone (see fig. 52-1 ). Each concha is covered by a thick, highly vascular mucosa that warms and moistens the incoming air. The inferior concha has been likened to an air-conditioning plant (Negus). Large vein-like spaces ("swell bodies") over the middle and inferior conchae may become congested with blood during a "cold in the nose" (coryza) or sometimes during menstruation. 52-3 List the main openings into the nasal meatuses. 52-3 The main openings into the nasal meatuses are the posterior ethmoidal cells into the superior meatus, the anterior ethmoidal cells and frontal and maxillary sinuses into the middle meatus, and the nasolacrimal duct into the inferior meatus. The sphenoidal sinus and some posterior ethmoidal cells drain into the spheno-ethmoidal recess above the superior concha (see fig. 52-3 B). 52-4 Where is the olfactory region of the nasal cavity?

52-4 The olfactory region of the nasal cavity is bounded by the superior nasal concha and the superior third of the nasal septum. It is supplied by the olfactory nerve, which ends in the olfactory bulb: the olfactory bulb and tract are not part of the first cranial nerve. 52-5 Which nerves are responsible for general sensation in the nasal cavity? 52-5 For general sensation, the nasal cavity is supplied by the ophthalmic and maxillary nerves, the latter largely through branches arising in the region of the pterygopalatine ganglion and often passing through it (see fig. 52-5 ). 52-6 Which are the most important arteries to the nasal cavity? 52-6 The most important arteries to the nasal cavity are the sphenopalatine (from the maxillary artery) and the anterior ethmoidal (from the ophthalmic artery). The most frequent source of nasal bleeding (epistaxis) is the junction between septal branches of the superior labial and sphenopalatine arteries (see fig. 52-5 ). 52-7 How do the paranasal sinuses develop?

52-7 The paranasal sinuses develop as outgrowths from the nasal cavity; hence they all drain directly or indirectly into the nose. Thus, rhinitis may give rise to sinusitis. 52-8 List the chief paranasal sinuses. 52-8 The chief paranasal sinuses are the maxillary, ethmoidal, frontal, and sphenoidal. The maxillary sinus, associated with the name of Highmore (1651), was well known earlier and was masterfully illustrated by Leonardo da Vinci. The functional significance of the paranasal sinuses is obscure (P. L. Blanton and N. L. Briggs, Am. J. Anat., 124:135, 1969). The maxillary sinus can be irrigated through the nasal cavity (F. N. Ritter, Laryngoscope, 87:215, 1977). The hypophysial fossa may be approached by way of the nasal cavity and sphenoidal sinus for removal of tumors. Cf. figure 53-4 . For details of the sinuses, see O. E.

Van Alyea, Nasal Sinuses. An Anatomic and Clinical Consideration, 2nd ed., Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1951. The maxillary sinus has been described by B. Vidic in Orban's Oral Histology and Embryology, 8th ed., ed. by S. N. Bhasker, Mosby, St. Louis, 1976. This is a useful book for dental students. 52-9 What is the ethmoidal labyrinth? 52-9 Each ethmoidal labyrinth is the lateral mass of the ethmoid bone, and it comprises 4 to 17 air cells (the ethmoidal sinus). The labyrinth is situated between the medial wall of the orbit laterally and the lateral wall of the nasal cavity medially (see fig. 52-1 ). A labyrinth (Gk, maze) is an intricate arrangement of communicating passages; hence it is an appropriate name for the ethmoidal labyrinth. 52-10 What can be seen on posterior rhinoscopy?

52-10 A postnasal mirror reveals the posterior part of the nasal cavity, as seen through the choanae, and including the posterior edge of the nasal septum and the openings of the auditory tubes (see figs. 52-4 and 53-11 B). The procedure is termed posterior rhinoscopy (Gk, rhis. rhinos, nose; as in rhinoceros, from keras, horn. Cf. keratin). Figure legends Figure 52-1 Scheme of the ethmoid bone viewed from posterior. The two ethmoidal labyrinths are united by the cribriform plate. The perpendicular plate, which forms the superior part of the nasal septum, is set at a right angle to the horizontally placed cribriform plate. The lateral surface of each labyrinth forms a part of the medial wall of the orbit and is termed the orbital plate of the ethmoid bone. F indicates the portion of the labyrinth completed by the frontal bone; S, the portion completed by the sphenoid bone. The ethmoidal labyrinth contains ethmoidal air cells known collectively as the ethmoidal sinus.

(After Grant.) Figure 52-2 A, Medial aspect of the bony framework of the lateral wall of the right nasal cavity. The lateral boundary of the piriform aperture is formed by the nasal bone and the maxilla; that of the choana is formed by the medial pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone. Note the line of the spheno-occipital junction. B, Lateral aspect of the medial wall (nasal septum) of the right nasal cavity. The lower limit of the ethmoidal contribution to the septum varies widely. The attachment of the septal cartilage to the vomer and the maxilla allows considerable movement without dislocation. Figure 52-3 Medial aspect of the lateral wall of the right nasal cavity. A shows the four conchae. Note that each meatus is named after the concha that forms its roof. In B, the conchae have been largely removed. The frontal sinus may open into (1) the frontal recess (as shown here) or (2) the ethmoidal infundibulum. Figure 52-4 Posterior rhinoscopy. A shows the placement of the mirror, and B the structures seen.

Cf. fig. 53-11 B. Figure 52-5 Innervation and blood supply of the right nasal cavity. A shows the main nerve territories on the lateral wall: those on the medial wall are similar. Apart from the olfactory region, the chief innervation of the nasal cavities is from the ophthalmic and maxillary nerves, the latter by way of the pterygopalatine ganglion. B and C show the nerves in the lateral and medial walls, respectively. D shows the main arterial territories on the medial wall: those on the lateral wall are similar. On the nasal septum, a septal branch of the superior labial artery (from the facial) and septal branches of the sphenopalatine artery anastomose near the point X, which is the chief site from which bleeding from the nose occurs. Figure 52-6 Coronal scheme of the nasal cavity to show the conchae, meatuses, and certain paranasal sinuses. The size of the nasal passages is based on an instructive laminogram by Proetz.

Jump to: Nose Anatomy With Diagram | Rhinoplasty4You.com Nose Anatomy and Function The nose is complex, both in form and function. It consists of skin, bone, cartilage, blood vessels, and nerves. It houses our sense of smell, takes an important part in breathing, and sits there in the middle of the face where no one can miss it. Although I realize that if you are reading this website, you may be more concerned with the appearance rather than the anatomy of your nose, but the loss of functions is a sad reality for many people. From difficulty breathing to the loss of the sense of smell to sinus headaches to postnasal drip, there is more to rhinoplasty and the nose than just beauty. Your nose anatomy can be divided into two parts. The external part is the structure that sticks forward from your face. The nasal cavity extends back from the outer nose into your head and connects with the sinuses, which are hollow areas under your forehead, cheekbones, and deeper into the skull. Both the external nose and the nasal cavity are divided vertically by a wall called the nasal septum. This is the wall between your two nostrils and it extends back behind the nose into the nasal cavity.

For information about anatomy of the face and other types of facial surgery, including pages about facelift recovery and facelift before and after photos, visit All About Facial Rejuvenation. Nasal Cavity Anatomy Your sense of smell—olfaction—is a complex system of changing scents into nerve signals that your brain then processes to receive important information from the outside the body. You don't even realize how often you use your sense of smell. Is that food good or is it is rancid? Was that odor roses or dung? You may think the sense of smell is unimportant and that you can easily do without it, but it plays a major role in how we perceive the flavor of foods and even in how we pick a potential mate. Otherwise, why would we be buying all that perfume and cologne? The process of olfaction begins with inhaling. Air is pulled through the nostrils and into the nasal cavity. The top side of your nasal cavity is directly under your brain and is separated from it by a very thin wall of bone and mucus membrane. That membrane is the location for a small area that contains millions of olfactory receptor nerves. These can differentiate between thousands of individual smells.

Some people have an excellent sense of smell, but others suffer from anosmia, a loss of the sense of smell, which can impair their quality of life. Others suffer from phantom nasty smells, the olfactory version of hallucinations. The nasal cavity is also the topmost part of your respiratory system. At the back, where your soft palate ends, it is open to your throat. The nose is an air filter and conditioner for your lungs. The hairs in your nose keep out dust and microscopic particles. The anatomy of your nasal cavity has shelves and folds that warm the air and add moisture to it before it reaches your lungs, which makes breathing much more comfortable. These shelves are called the turbinates. The sinuses, which are lined with mucous membrane (also called mucosa), also play a role in humidifying and warming air as you breathe in. These empty spaces also reduce the weight of the skull and facial bones and increase the resonance of the voice. Your nasal cavity is connected to your inner ears. The Eustachian tubes run down from your inner ear into your nasal cavity at the top of your throat, which is why a cold or bacterial infection can seem to hit you in the ears, nose, and throat at once or in sequence.

The Eustachian tubes are there to equalize pressure between your inner ears and the outside. External Nose Anatomy You need to understand your nose anatomy if you are considering making changes to the external parts of your nose. The external nose is supported by this underlying nasal structure. Changing one can have an effect on the other in some way. Rhinoplasty complications can affect your breathing, your sense of smell, and not just your looks. The external nose anatomy is basically a three-sided pyramid. The framework of the external nose is made up of bones and cartilages. This is covered by skin and lined with mucosa. The ridge leading down from the forehead to the tip of the nose is called the bridge or dorsum. At the top, it is made of bone and skin, while the bottom half is cartilage and skin. The cartilage of the tip of the nose and nostrils is actually in five pieces that are connected by membranes. The septum that separates the two nostrils consists of cartilage covered by membrane. The skin of the dorsum and sides of the nose is thin, but is thicker over the tip and nostrils. This skin also has a more sweat and oil glands than skin on other parts of the face.

And you just thought your nose just sat there on your face!

Question: In human anatomy, what is the name of the wall that separates the nostrils?
Answer: Septum