BoneFlat bone

Nasal bone

Latin: Os nasale sinistrum

Location: Skull — bridge of the nose

Paired structure: one on the left and one on the right side of the body.

View the nasal bone in 3D

Function

Forms the left half of the rigid nasal bridge that supports the external nose while its lower cartilages provide the flexible tip.

Landmarks

  • Nasal spine
  • Ethmoidal groove (anterior ethmoidal nerve)

Articulations (joints)

  • Right nasal bone
  • Frontal bone
  • Maxilla (frontal process)

Clinical relevance

Nasal bone fractures are the commonest facial fracture; the septum must be checked for haematoma, which if undrained destroys cartilage and causes a saddle deformity.

Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.