The nasal bone is a pair of small, thin, rectangular bones located at the front of the facial skeleton and forming the bridge of the nose. It is located near the inner upper corner of the eye sockets and forms the upper part of the nasal dorsum. It plays a decisive role in the aesthetic appearance of the face and has an important role in supporting the nasal structures.
Anatomical Features
The nasal bones are in two parts, right and left, and they join together in the midline to form the bridge of the nose. This joining line is provided by the sutural connection . Each nasal bone has four edges and two surfaces.
Surfaces
- Anterior surface (Facies externa): It is the attachment surface for the skin and the muscles on the bridge of the nose. The facial muscles such as m. procerus are attached to this surface.
- Posterior surface (Facies interna): It is in contact with the mucosal structures and is in a structure related to the nasal cavity. Fine grooves may be present here for the passage of the nasal nerves and vessels.
The edges
- Upper border: It articulates with the frontal bone (sutura frontonasalis).
- Lower edge: It continues with the nasal cartilage.
- Medial border: It joins with the opposite nasal bone.
- Outer border: It articulates with the frontal process of the maxilla.
Functions
- Formation of the nasal dorsum: The nasal bones form the bony part of the nasal bridge.
- Facial aesthetics: It has a direct effect on the symmetry and profile of the face.
- Support function: Provides structural support for the nasal cartilages and surrounding soft tissues.
- Protection: It is the first line of defense for the nasal cavity and internal structures against external trauma.
