Vomer

Function

A thin plough-shaped plate forming the posteroinferior part of the nasal septum, dividing the nasal cavity into left and right airways and supporting airflow symmetry.

Landmarks

• Alae
• Vomerine groove (nasopalatine nerve)
• Posterior border

Articulations (joints)

• Perpendicular plate of the ethmoid above
• Maxillae and palatine bones below and in front
• Sphenoid bone posteriorly
• Nasal cartilage anteriorly

Clinical relevance

Together with a deviated septum the vomer is frequently displaced in nasal trauma, causing unilateral obstruction, recurrent sinusitis and epistaxis; septoplasty straightens it.