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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Coracoacromial Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the coracoid process.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Skull
    Bony structure of the head that encases the brain.
    Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Pubis
    Part of the pelvis that joins with the opposite side to form the pubic symphysis.
    Carpals (8 bones)
    8 wrist bones.
    Temporalis
    Muscle involved in closing the jaw.
    Deltoid
    Shoulder muscle responsible for arm abduction.
    Pelvic Floor Muscles
    Muscles that support pelvic organs.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Ligamentum Flavum
    Spinal ligament connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
    Tibialis Anterior
    Muscle that dorsiflexes and inverts the foot.
    Sacroiliac Ligaments
    Ligaments connecting the sacrum to the iliac bones.
    Rotator Cuff Tendons
    Tendons of the rotator cuff muscles.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Sesamoid Bones
    e.g., patella, some found in hands/feet.
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Thoracic Cage
    Ribs and sternum forming the protective cage for the heart and lungs.
    Maxillae
    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.
    Coccygeus
    Pelvic floor muscle supporting the coccyx.
    Hinge Joints
    e.g., elbow, knee

    Nasal Bones

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.

    1. Overview

    The nasal bones are two small, oblong bones that form the bridge of the nose. These paired bones are part of the facial skeleton and play a key role in shaping the nose and supporting the cartilaginous structures of the nasal cavity. Though small in size, they contribute to both the aesthetic and functional architecture of the upper midface.

    2. Location

    The nasal bones are located in the upper-middle part of the face, at the superior aspect of the nose:

    • Medially: They articulate with each other at the midline via the internasal suture.

    • Superiorly: Articulate with the frontal bone at the frontonasal suture.

    • Laterally: Articulate with the frontal processes of the maxillae.

    • Inferiorly: Connect to the upper lateral cartilages of the nose.

    3. Structure

    Each nasal bone is a small, flat, rectangular bone with compact bone externally and cancellous bone internally:

    • External surface: Convex and covered by the nasal part of the procerus and nasalis muscles.

    • Internal surface: Concave and contributes to the formation of the nasal cavity roof.

    • Articulations: Each nasal bone articulates with four bones:

      • Opposite nasal bone (medially)

      • Frontal bone (superiorly)

      • Maxilla (laterally)

      • Perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone (deeply)

    4. Function

    The nasal bones serve multiple structural and protective roles:

    • Form the nasal bridge: Provide bony structure to the upper part of the nose.

    • Support cartilage: Act as an anchoring site for the upper lateral cartilages and septal cartilage.

    • Protect internal structures: Shield the upper nasal cavity and underlying neurovascular structures from trauma.

    • Shape facial profile: Contribute significantly to nasal contour and overall facial symmetry.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Although non-movable, the nasal bones support various physiological functions through their structural contributions:

    • Respiration: Help form the rigid framework that maintains nasal airway patency.

    • Olfaction: Indirectly support the nasal cavity which houses olfactory epithelium, crucial for the sense of smell.

    • Facial expression: Serve as attachment points for muscles involved in expressions like flaring the nostrils or wrinkling the nose.

    • Speech resonance: Contribute to shaping the nasal cavity, affecting voice resonance and clarity.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The nasal bones are among the most commonly injured facial bones and are significant in both trauma and reconstructive surgery:

    • Nasal bone fractures:

      • Most common facial bone fractures, typically resulting from blunt trauma (e.g., falls, sports, assaults).

      • Symptoms include nasal deformity, swelling, bruising, epistaxis (nosebleed), and impaired breathing.

      • May require closed reduction or rhinoplasty depending on severity and displacement.

    • Rhinoplasty considerations:

      • Cosmetic procedures often involve reshaping or repositioning nasal bones to alter nose profile and symmetry.

    • Congenital anomalies:

      • Hypoplastic nasal bones are associated with certain syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome) and can be detected via prenatal ultrasound.

    • Nasal obstruction:

      • Displaced or malformed nasal bones can contribute to chronic nasal blockage and may require surgical correction.

    Did you know? The coccyx is the remnant of the tailbone in humans.