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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Temporalis
    Muscle involved in closing the jaw.
    Temporal Bones
    Bones forming the lower sides of the skull and housing the ears.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Pelvic Floor Muscles
    Muscles that support pelvic organs.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Acromioclavicular Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the clavicle.
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Rectus Abdominis
    Abs muscle that flexes the trunk.
    Hamstrings
    Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus.
    Occipital Bone
    Bone forming the back and base of the skull.
    Interspinous Ligament
    Spinal ligament between adjacent vertebral spinous processes.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Masseter
    Muscle that elevates the mandible.
    Obliques (External and Internal)
    Muscles responsible for torso rotation.
    Sesamoid Bones
    e.g., patella, some found in hands/feet.
    Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Carpals (8 bones)
    8 wrist bones.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Glenohumeral Ligaments
    Shoulder ligaments that stabilize the shoulder joint.
    Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the back of the vertebral column.

    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? Your hand has 5 metacarpal bones.