The Nasal Septum: Anatomy, Structure, and Clinical Implications
The nasal septum is a highly important anatomical structure of the human nose, located deep within the nasal cavity that separates the right and left nasal passages. The nasal septum is composed of several different components, including the cartilaginous septum, the vomer bone, and the bony septum. This structure plays an important role in maintaining the airflow of air through the nasal cavities, as well as providing a supportive framework for the nose itself. Additionally, the nasal septum is important in the clinical setting, as it can be affected by a variety of diseases and disorders, such as septal deviation and nasal polyps. This article will discuss the anatomy, structure, and clinical implications of the nasal septum.
Anatomy of the Nasal Septum
The nasal septum is composed of three different components: the cartilaginous septum, the vomer bone, and the bony septum. The cartilaginous septum is composed of three different cartilages: the quadrangular cartilage, the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, and the vomer. The quadrangular cartilage is the largest and strongest of the three, and is located between the nasal cavities and the vomer bone. The perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone is located at the superior aspect of the nasal septum, and is responsible for providing support to the upper portion of the nose. The vomer bone is located inferiorly and is a thin, flat bone that is responsible for separating the right and left nasal cavities.
The bony septum is composed of several bones, including the sphenoid, ethmoid, frontal, palatine, and maxillary bones. The sphenoid bone is located posteriorly and is responsible for providing support to the middle and lower portions of the nose. The ethmoid bone is located in the superior aspect of the septum and is responsible for providing support to the upper portion of the nose. The frontal bone is located in the anterior aspect of the septum and is responsible for providing support to the bridge of the nose. The palatine and maxillary bones are located in the lateral aspects of the septum and are responsible for providing support to the sides of the nose.
Structure of the Nasal Septum
The nasal septum is composed of several different layers. The innermost layer is the mucosa, which is a thin layer of tissue that is responsible for creating a protective lining for the nose. The middle layer is the lamina propria, which is a dense layer of connective tissue that provides support and stability for the nasal septum. The outermost layer is the perichondrium, which is a thin layer of connective tissue that is responsible for providing nutrition to the cartilaginous septum.
Clinical Implications of the Nasal Septum
The nasal septum is important in the clinical setting, as it can be affected by a variety of conditions. One of the most common conditions affecting the nasal septum is septal deviation, which is when the nasal septum is shifted to one side of the nose, causing a blockage of the nasal airways. This can result in difficulty breathing, decreased sense of smell, and recurrent sinus infections. Additionally, the nasal septum can be affected by nasal polyps, which are non-cancerous growths that can form on the nasal septum and block the nasal airways.
Conclusion
The nasal septum is a highly important anatomical structure located within the nasal cavity that separates the right and left nasal passages. The nasal septum is composed of three different components: the cartilaginous septum, the vomer bone, and the bony septum. It plays an important role in maintaining the airflow of air through the nasal cavities, as well as providing a supportive framework for the nose itself. Additionally, the nasal septum is important in the clinical setting, as it can be affected by a variety of diseases and disorders, such as septal deviation and nasal polyps.
References
Budhiraja, R., Bhatia, S. K., & Paliwal, V. K. (2018). Nasal septal deviation: Anatomy, pathophysiology, and clinical implications. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 6(2), 593-599.
Das, S., & Parkash, H. (2016). Nasal septum: Anatomy and clinical implications. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 10(2), LC01-LC03.
Gardner, G. (2014). Nasal septum anatomy. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/nasal-septum-anatomy-1715068.