Nasal septum

File:Gray854.png

Bones and cartilages of septum of nose. Right side.

The nasal septum separates the left and right airways in the nose and divides the two nostrils.

Composition

The fleshy external end of the nasal septum is sometimes also called columella.

The nasal septum is composed of three structures:

• ethmoid bone
• vomer bone
• quadrangular cartilage

Clinical significance

The nasal septum can depart from the centreline of the nose; this condition is known as a deviated septum. Injury, excessive nose-picking and cocaine usage can cause septum perforations, or holes developing in the septum.

An operation to the nasal septum is known as a septoplasty.

Additional images

• Gray191.png

  Horizontal section of nasal and orbital cavities.

• Gray379.png

  Left orbicularis oculi, seen from behind.

• Orrsövény.PNG

  Cartilages of the nose, seen from below.

• Gray859.png

  Coronal section of nasal cavities.

• Gray1203.png

  Front of nasal part of pharynx, as seen with the laryngoscope.

• Maxillary sinus MRI.jpg

  MRI image showimg nasal septum.

Nasal Septum Media

• Gray175.png

  Vomer of an infant.

Other websites

• Diagram at evmsent.org Archived 2006-05-04 at the Wayback Machine