Nose

The nose is complex and is composed of a framework of bones and cartilages covered by skin and soft tissues:

• External nose: a midline protuberance in the middle of the face

• Nasal Bones: These are paired bones that form the bridge of the nose. They articulate with the frontal bone superiorly and the maxillary bones laterally.

• Upper Lateral Cartilages: These triangular-shaped cartilages are located below the nasal bones and provide support to the middle third of the nose. They meet the nasal bones superiorly and the lower lateral cartilages inferiorly, and they fuse with the septum in the midline.

• Lower Lateral Cartilages: These are thin, flexible plates of cartilage that form the medial and lateral walls of the nostrils. They are crucial for the shape and function of the nasal tip and alar regions.

•  Nasal Septum: This structure is composed of both cartilage and bone and divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils. It provides structural support to the nose.

• Soft Tissue Layers: The soft tissue envelope of the nose includes the skin, subcutaneous areolar plane, vascular-fibromuscular layer, deep areolar plane, and perichondrium/periosteum. These layers provide elasticity and support to the nose.

• Muscles: The nasal muscles, such as the nasalis, play a role in the movement and expression of the nose. They can affect the shape of the nostrils and the nasal aperture.