Nasal bone
anatomy
The nasal bone (Latin translation: Nasal bone) is duplicated in humans; both parts ossify in the course of life. The nasal cavity is formed from the two nasal bones. However, the front part consists of cartilage, which connects to the front of the respective nasal bone. This reduces the risk of the nose breaking.
On the inside of the nasal bone is the nasal septum (Nasal septum), which divides the nasal cavity into two roughly equal cavities.
Each nasal cavity is in turn divided into a nasal vestibule (Nasal vestibule) and the actual nasal cavity (Cavitas nasi).
Figure nose
- Upper turbinate -
Concha nasi superior - Upper nasal passage -
Superior nasal meatus - Middle turbinate -
Concha nasi media - Middle nasal passage -
Meatus nasi medius - Lower turbinate -
Concha nasi inferior - Lower nasal passage -
Meatus nasi inferior - Atrium of the nasal cavity -
Nasal vestibule - Olfactory threads - Fila olfactoria
- Olfactory bulb - Olfactory bulb
- Rear opening of the
Nasal cavity - Choana - Nasal cavity - Cavitas nasi
- Pharyngeal almond -
Pharyngeal tonsil - Frontal sinus - Frontal sinus
- Sphenoid sinus -
Sphenoid sinus - Oral cavity - Cavitas oris
- Tongue - Lingua
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
Changes and diseases in the nasal bone
Nasal bone fracture
Forced force from the front (e.g. blow, impact, etc.) breaks both nasal bones, often involving the cartilaginous part and the nasal septum.
The patient is usually in pain and there is also a nosebleed. If the broken bone parts are shifted against each other, the nose is deformed (deviation to the side, indentation). In addition, swelling can occur due to the formation of a hematoma.
Read more on this topic: Pain in and around the nasal bone
In most cases, a broken nose can be diagnosed without an X-ray; just by feeling and looking at the nose. Nevertheless, an x-ray of the facial skull is recommended to rule out further bone fractures.
If the fragments are not displaced, the nasal bone will heal itself back together. If the fragments are displaced or the bridge of the nose is deformed or the nasal septum deviates, this should be treated surgically. This must then be temporarily fixed with a splint.
If the nasal fracture leads to heavy nosebleeds, which does not end by itself, a nasal packing should also be inserted. This would compress the vessels so that the bleeding stops.
A septal hematoma (nasal septum hematoma) can also occur if the septum is involved. This is a bleeding between the bone / cartilage and the skin or cartilage skin, which can lead to a complete obstruction of nasal breathing. In addition, the cartilage / bone can deteriorate, as the blood supply is ensured via the bone or cartilage skin.
If this is lifted, the cartilage / bones no longer reach nutrients and it can die. A nasal septum hematoma must therefore always be opened surgically and the coagulated blood clots removed so that the bone or cartilage skin can be reassembled.
For more information, see: Broken nose
Saddle nose
There is a Indentation of the bridge of the nose.
This deformity can be congenital, including at Trisomy 21 or at one Syphilis infection during pregnancy. But also through Fractures or at Tumors on the nose a change in the nasal bone can lead to a saddle nose. Sometimes those affected also have impaired nasal breathing. The saddle nose can be corrected surgically (Rhinoplasty).
Crooked nose
A crooked nose is often caused by a Fracture of the nasal bone and is usually only discovered when the initial swelling of the nasal fracture has subsided. Uneven growth in childhood can also lead to a crooked nose. Also the Nasal septum is crooked, which impedes nasal breathing. Then it can be corrected surgically.
Hump nose
The hump nose is characterized by a hump on the bridge of the nose and a tip of the nose that is bent downwards.
This too Deformity of the nose has various causes and can be corrected by plastic surgery.
Tension nose
With the tension nose, the nasal septum is too long in relation to the bridge of the nose and thus pulls the tip of the nose downwards. Often these patients suffer from one restricted nasal breathing through too small nostrils. This can also be corrected surgically.
