Nasal bone

From ArticleWorld

The nasal bone is one of a matching pair of nasal bones that flare out from the midline and form, via their midline junction, the bony bridge of the nose.

Anatomy

The nasal bones are flat oblong bones that are different in size and placement among individuals. The upper aspect of the bone connects with the frontal bone (the forehead bone) and the lower aspect of the bone attaches to the lateral nasal cartilage which shapes the lower nose. Medially, the bone joins with its mirror opposite nasal bone. The lateral aspect of the bone is articulated (but not moveable) with the frontal process of the large facial maxilla bone. Part of the medial nasal bone projects downward, connects with its opposite and helps form part of the bony nasal septum.

Function

The nasal bone has a hole in the middle of it for the drainage of the venous system of the nose. A branch of the nasociliary nerve travels in a groove along the inside of the bone.

Conditions

The nasal bone can be easily fractured during a blunt trauma. While the cartilage somewhat protects and cushions the delicate bone, the thin tip of the bone is often chipped in an injury. Fortunately, such a fracture is rarely out of place and requires no specific treatment.