Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir

The nasal septum is key to our breathing. It splits the nasal cavity into two parts. This helps keep our nasal passages working right. Which bones and cartilage form the nasal septum? A detailed look at the structure that divides the nasal cavity.

At Liv Hospital, we know how important it is to understand the nasal septum. It’s made mainly of two bones: the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and the vomer.

Knowing how the nasal septum works is vital. It helps us tell normal from abnormal. This knowledge guides us in treating our patients well.

Key Takeaways

• The nasal septum is a vital anatomical structure that divides the nasal cavity into two separate passages.
• The bony nasal septum is mainly made of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and the vomer.
• Understanding the nasal septum’s anatomy is key to good treatment.
• The nasal septum is essential for keeping our nasal passages healthy.
• At Liv Hospital, we focus on detailed anatomy in our care for ear, nose, and throat issues.

Anatomy of the Nasal Septum: An Overview

The nasal septum is a key part of our nose. It’s made of thin bone and cartilage. It divides the nasal cavity into two parts, making sure air flows equally through both nostrils.

Definition and Location of the Septum Nasi

The septum nasi, or nasal septum, is a wall that splits the nasal cavity. It’s made of cartilage and bone. It runs from the nostrils to the back of the nasal passage.

Functional Significance in Nasal Breathing

The nasal septum is vital for breathing through the nose. It makes sure air flows evenly through both nostrils. This helps with gas exchange. A deviated septum can cause breathing problems, showing how important it is.

Key functions of the nasal septum include:

• Dividing the nasal cavity into two separate passages
• Supporting the nasal passages and maintaining their integrity
• Facilitating normal nasal breathing and airflow

Basic Structural Components: Bone and Cartilage

The nasal septum has both bony and cartilaginous parts. The bones give it strength, while the cartilage makes it flexible. Together, they keep the nasal passages open.

The bones include parts like the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and the vomer. The cartilage is mainly the septal cartilage.

1. Bony elements: perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, vomer
2. Cartilaginous elements: septal cartilage

The Bony Framework of the Nasal Septum

The nasal septum’s bony framework is made up of two main bones. These bones give the nose its shape and support. Knowing about these bones helps doctors diagnose and treat nose problems.

Primary Bones Contributing to the Nasal Septum

The perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and the vomer are the main bones of the nasal septum. The ethmoid bone is thin and flat, making up the top part. The vomer, a single thicker bone, supports the bottom.

The ethmoid bone is thin and connects with the vomer. The vomer, being thicker, supports the bottom of the nasal septum.

Secondary Bony Components

Other bones also help make up the nasal septum. The nasal crests of the maxilla and palatine bones add extra support.

The nasal crests are bony ridges that connect with the vomer. They help keep the nasal septum stable.

Developmental Origins of Septal Bones

The nasal septum starts as cartilage that turns into bone. The ossification centers for these bones start in the womb.

As kids grow, the bones of the nasal septum get stronger. They eventually join together into one solid structure.

The Perpendicular Plate of the Ethmoid Bone

The ethmoid bone’s perpendicular plate is a thin, flat part. It plays a big role in keeping the nasal septum strong. It is the top part of the bony septum.

Anatomical Characteristics and Dimensions

This part of the ethmoid bone is very thin and flat. It helps make up a big part of the nasal septum without being too bulky. It can be different sizes in different people, but it’s usually about 2-3 cm tall and 1-2 cm wide.

Position Within the Nasal Septum

The perpendicular plate sits at the top of the nasal septum. It connects with other bones and cartilage to keep the septum stable. Its exact spot is key to keeping the nasal septum working right.

Articulations With Surrounding Structures

This plate connects with the vomer, nasal bones, and septal cartilage. These connections are important for keeping the nasal septum stable and in line.

The Vomer: Inferior Support of the Nasal Septum

The vomer is a thin, flat bone that plays a big role in the nasal septum’s lower part. It’s a key part of the nasal septum, helping to support the nasal cavity’s structure.

Triangular Structure and Dimensions

The vomer has a triangular shape, with its base facing up and its apex down. It’s quite thin, about 2-3 mm thick. Its size can vary, but it’s a big part of the nasal septum’s lower section.

Developmental Formation

The vomer starts to develop early in fetal growth. It begins to ossify around the eighth week of pregnancy. As the fetus grows, the vomer gets bigger and becomes a key part of the nasal septum’s lower section.

“The vomer bone is a critical component in the formation of the nasal septum, providing the necessary support and structure to the nasal cavity.” –

Anatomy Expert

Key Articulations

The vomer connects with several bones, like the sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary bones. These connections are important for the nasal septum’s stability and strength. For example, its connection with the sphenoid bone is key to the nasal septum’s back and lower part.

In conclusion, the vomer is a vital bone that supports the nasal septum from below. Its shape, how it develops, and its connections all make it essential for nasal anatomy.

Minor Bony Contributors to the Nasal Septum

The nasal septum has several minor bones that are key to its structure. These bones help keep the septum stable and working right.

Nasal Bones and Their Contribution

The nasal bones are small but important. They make up the front part of the nasal septum. They also help hold the septal cartilage in place.

Frontal Bone Components

The frontal bone helps the nasal septum with its nasal spine. This spine attaches to the septal cartilage. It keeps the front part of the septum stable.

Sphenoid Bone Involvement

The sphenoid bone is part of the nasal septum’s back. It’s important for the septum’s back support.

Maxillary and Palatine Contributions

The maxillary and palatine bones also help the nasal septum. The maxillary bone’s crest and the palatine bone’s back edge add support. This makes sure the septum stays stable.

In short, the nasal septum’s minor bones, like the nasal bones, frontal bone, sphenoid bone, maxilla, and palatine bones, all play a part. They work together to keep the septum strong and functional. Knowing about these bones helps us understand the nasal septum’s complex anatomy.

Cartilaginous Components of the Nasal Septum

The cartilaginous parts of the nasal septum make it flexible and help with breathing. The septal cartilage fills the space between the bones. It gives the septum strength and support.

Septal Cartilage: Structure and Position

The septal cartilage is a flexible part in the front of the nasal septum. It sits between the bones, keeping the septum flexible and strong. This cartilage is quadrangular and sticks closely to the bones around it.

Relationship Between Bony and Cartilaginous Components

The bony and cartilaginous parts of the nasal septum work together. The septal cartilage connects with the bones to form a stable yet flexible structure. This helps support breathing.

The Columella Nasi: Formation and Anatomy

The columella nasi is the skin and cartilage between the nostrils. It’s made from the septal cartilage’s bottom edge. It’s key to the nose’s look and is a major part of nasal anatomy.

Knowing about the nasal septum’s cartilaginous parts is key. It helps us understand the nasal septum’s complex anatomy and its role in breathing.

Articulations and Junctions Within the Nasal Septum

The nasal septum’s strength comes from its connections. These links are key for keeping the septum in place and helping with breathing.

Vomerine Groove and Ethmoid Articulation

The vomerine groove and ethmoid articulation are vital for the nasal septum’s bony structure. The vomer bone connects with the ethmoid bone, making a strong bond. This bond is essential for the septum’s stability.

“The connection between the vomer and ethmoid bone is vital for the nasal septum’s strength,” studies say. This bond is key for supporting the septum and ensuring it works right.

Cartilage-to-Bone Connections

The connections between the nasal septum’s cartilage and bone are also important. The septal cartilage links with the bones, adding flexibility and support. These links help keep the nasal septum strong.

The stability of the nasal septum is boosted by the septal cartilage’s strong bond to the bones. This bond is made possible by fibrous connections and articulations.

Stability Mechanisms of the Septal Structure

The nasal septum’s stability comes from bony connections, cartilage links, and fibrous attachments. These work together to keep the septum in place. This supports breathing and the nasal function.

In summary, the nasal septum’s connections are complex, involving bones and cartilage. Understanding these connections is key to knowing how the nasal septum works.

Vascular and Neural Supply to the Nasal Septum

The nasal septum gets its blood from the internal and external carotid arteries. This network is key for the septum’s health and function.

Arterial Supply to Septal Bones

The nasal septum’s blood comes from several arteries. The sphenopalatine artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, is the main supplier. The anterior ethmoidal artery and superior labial branch of the facial artery also help.

These arteries create a rich network for the septum’s bones and cartilage. The septal branches of these arteries supply oxygen and nutrients.

Venous Drainage Patterns

The veins of the nasal septum follow the arteries. They drain into the sphenopalatine vein and then the pterygoid venous plexus. This plexus empties into the maxillary vein and then the external jugular vein.

Innervation of the Bony Septum

The nasal septum’s nerves come from the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). The anterior ethmoidal nerve supplies the front part. The nasopalatine nerve covers the back part.

This nerve supply is vital for the septum’s sensation and function. It helps the septum respond to stimuli and keep the nose healthy.

Common Variations in Nasal Septum Bone Structure

It’s important for both doctors and patients to know about the normal changes in the nasal septum bone. This thin bone and cartilage wall divides the nasal passages. It can have different shapes and sizes, which is key for diagnosis and treatment.

Normal Anatomical Variations

The shape and size of the nasal septum can vary a lot among people. These changes are normal if they don’t cause any problems or block breathing. Normal anatomical variations are small changes that don’t affect how well we breathe.

Septal Spurs and Crests

Septal spurs and crests are bony growths on the nasal septum. They can block breathing and lead to long-term stuffiness. Septal spurs are sharp, while septal crests are more like ridges. Doctors can spot them with a nasal endoscope or imaging.

Developmental Differences

Developmental changes can also shape the nasal septum. Growth and development are influenced by genetics and the environment. These factors can lead to differences in size, shape, and position of the nasal septum.

Knowing about these common changes in the nasal septum helps doctors treat related issues better. This knowledge is vital for creating treatment plans that meet each patient’s specific needs.

Clinical Significance of the Nasal Septum

The nasal septum is key to keeping the nasal passages open. Its importance cannot be overstated. A deviated or damaged septum can cause breathing and sinus issues. It’s vital to grasp its clinical implications.

Septal Deviation: Causes and Effects

Septal deviation happens when the nasal septum shifts from its usual spot. This can block the nose and lead to breathing problems. Symptoms include nasal congestion, breathing trouble, and sinus pressure.

Knowing the causes and effects of septal deviation is key for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Fractures of the Bony Septum

Fractures of the bony septum can occur from a blow to the nose. This can lead to serious issues like septal hematoma or abscess. Quick medical care is needed to avoid lasting harm.

Diagnosis involves a detailed check-up and imaging to see how bad the fracture is.

Surgical Considerations in Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgery to fix septal deviations or other nasal septum issues. The goal is to keep nasal function while improving breathing and sinus drainage. The surgery needs careful planning and execution for the best results.

Relationship to Sinus Drainage

The nasal septum is important for sinus drainage. A deviated septum can block these pathways, causing sinusitis or other sinus problems. It’s essential to understand the link between the nasal septum and sinus drainage for managing sinus disorders.

Treatment might include fixing the septal deviation to help sinus drainage.

Imaging the Bony Nasal Septum

New imaging technologies have greatly improved our understanding of the bony nasal septum. This structure is key for nasal breathing. Accurate imaging is key for diagnosing and treating nasal septum disorders, which can greatly affect a patient’s life.

Radiographic Visualization Techniques

Radiographic techniques are essential for checking the nasal septum. Conventional radiographs give a basic look, but they’re limited in showing the nasal septum’s detailed anatomy. Yet, they’re useful as a first step.

CT Scanning of Septal Structures

CT scanning is top-notch for looking at the bony nasal septum. It gives detailed images that help spot issues like deviations and spurs. CT scans are key for planning septoplasty surgeries, helping surgeons be more precise.

MRI Applications in Septum Evaluation

MRI is also valuable, mainly for soft tissue checks. It’s not the first choice for bony structures, but it’s great for the nasal septum’s cartilage and soft tissues. MRI is good when soft tissue problems are suspected.

Interpreting Septal Anatomy on Imaging

Understanding nasal septum imaging studies is complex. Radiologists and doctors need to know the difference between normal variations and problems. This skill is vital for correct diagnosis and treatment plans.

Imaging is critical in managing nasal septum disorders. Advanced imaging helps healthcare professionals offer better care. “Imaging techniques have changed otolaryngology, making diagnoses and treatments more precise,” say experts.

“The use of CT and MRI has greatly improved our ability to diagnose and treat complex nasal septum disorders.”

— Expert in Otolaryngology

Conclusion: The Integrated Structure of the Nasal Septum

The nasal septum is a complex structure that plays a key role in keeping the nasal passages open. It is made of both bone and cartilage, giving the nose the support it needs.

Understanding the nasal septum’s structure is important for knowing how it helps us breathe. The nasal septum is formed by the ethmoid bone, the vomer, and the septal cartilage. These parts work together to support the nose.

We’ve looked at the anatomy and how the nasal septum works. It’s vital for keeping the nasal passages open. Knowing about the nasal septum helps doctors diagnose and treat problems like septal deviations.

The nasal septum’s complex design shows why it needs careful evaluation and treatment. This ensures the nose works well and we can breathe easily.

FAQ

What bones form the nasal septum?

The nasal septum is made up of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and the vomer. Other bones like the nasal bones, frontal bone, sphenoid bone, maxilla, and palatine bones also contribute.

What is the function of the nasal septum?

The nasal septum keeps the nasal passages open. It supports the nose and helps us breathe.

What is the septum nasi?

The septum nasi, or nasal septum, is a complex structure. It separates the two nasal cavities and is made of both bone and cartilage.

What is the role of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone in the nasal septum?

The perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone is key to the nasal septum. It provides support to the nose and is part of the bony framework.

What is the vomer bone’s contribution to the nasal septum?

The vomer bone supports the nasal septum from below. It forms the lower part of the bony framework and connects with other structures.

How do the cartilaginous components contribute to the nasal septum?

The cartilaginous parts, like the septal cartilage, are vital. They help keep the nasal septum flexible and strong.

What is the columella nasi?

The columella nasi is the outer pillar of the nose. It’s made of the nasal septal cartilage and surrounding tissues.

What is septal deviation, and what are its effects?

Septal deviation is when the nasal septum is off-center. It can block breathing, cause breathing problems, and lead to other respiratory issues.

How is the nasal septum imaged?

The nasal septum can be seen through various imaging methods. These include radiography, CT scans, and MRI. They help diagnose and treat nasal septum problems.

What is the clinical significance of understanding nasal septum anatomy?

Knowing the nasal septum’s anatomy is critical. It helps diagnose and treat issues like septal deviation and fractures. It’s also important for surgeries like septoplasty.

What are the common variations in nasal septum bone structure?

Normal variations, septal spurs, and crests are common. So are developmental differences that can impact the nasal septum.

How does the nasal septum relate to sinus drainage?

The nasal septum helps keep the nasal passages open. If it’s off-center or damaged, it can affect sinus drainage.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Sinus Infection (Sinusitis). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/index.html