Nasal Bone: Structure, Function & Diseases

The nasal bone (Latin: Os nasale) is the largest bone of the human olfactory system. It consists of a very thin pair of bones that run between the eyes and roof the nasal cavity. An injury to the nasal bone should always be examined by a doctor. This is because if left untreated, it can lead to long-term damage.

What is the nasal bone?

As part of the facial skull, the human nasal bone is located right in the middle of the face. It forms the upper part of the nose and is composed of two small, elongated bones. In the transverse direction, the nasal bone shows an external curvature, while in the longitudinal direction it curves inward. As a so-called nasal roof, it encloses the nasal cavity, in the anterior part also with cartilages, which should protect it from the risks of fracture. As a passage for a vein, there is a small hole in the middle of the nasal bone. On the inside of the nasal bone runs the nasal septum. It acts as a partition between the two nasal cavities, which are roughly identical in size. Above the nasal septum is the turbinate, which encloses the upper nasal passage.

Anatomy and structure

As an important bone of the human nose, the nasal bone forms part of the nasal root. Together with the frontal bone process and the maxillary bone processes, it protects the internal olfactory organs as a hard component. The bone also acts as a firm foundation for the cartilaginous part of the nasal bone, which rests on the outside of the nose and is movable. The cartilage of the tip of the nose, consisting of the nostril and the columella, not only forms a connection to the nasal septum, but also determines the shape of the nostrils. As an important basic structure of the respiratory organ, the solid part of the nasal bone holds the upper edge of the nasal septum. It divides the nose into right and left nasal passages. The nasal bone not only provides firm protection for the olfactory and respiratory functions of the nose, but also has a decisive influence on the aesthetic effect of the face. Thus, many rhinoplasties result in a changed harmony of the overall impression.

Function and tasks

Because the bone structure of the nasal bone consists of very fine bones, fractures can easily occur. For example, if the two parts of the bone break through due to violent force such as bumping or hitting, the cartilaginous part is often affected as well. Severe pain, nosebleeds, swelling and a deformed nose are considered external symptoms of a nasal bone fracture and should be examined by a doctor immediately. The type of therapy depends primarily on whether the affected person has a displaced or non-displaced fracture. To avoid permanent damage in either case, medical treatment should be given within a week in any case. With the help of an X-ray, the specialist can see whether fragments of the nasal bone have shifted or whether the bones are in the right place. A displaced fracture of the nasal bone where the shape of the nose has been preserved can grow back together without help. Decongestant pain medication, nasal drops, and a nasal support bandage are all that is needed to heal the fracture.

Diseases and ailments

If the bridge of the nose is displaced or deformed, surgery is required in most cases, followed by splinting of the nose. This intervention prevents long-term impairment of nasal breathing or even the sense of smell. In cases of severe nosebleeds, nasal tamponade usually ensures that the bleeding subsides quickly by compressing the vessels. If the nasal septum is also affected by an injury, the bleeding between the bone and cartilage and bone or cartilage skin can lead to complete restriction of nasal breathing. To prevent permanent damage to the nasal cartilage, a nasal septal hematoma must be operated on in almost all cases. During this operation, the bruise is opened and the blood is removed. With the help of a nasal tamponade, not only can further bruising be prevented after the operation, but the inside of the nose can also be supported. Furthermore, painkillers, antibiotics and nasal drops help to support the healing of the fracture. Approximately eight to ten days after the fracture, the bones must be put back in the correct position, otherwise there is a risk that the wrong position will solidify. A fracture of the nasal bone can also lead to a so-called crooked nose.In many cases, this is only discovered when the swelling of the hernia has subsided. A crooked nose can also develop, among other things, if growth is uneven even in childhood. If this results in an uneven nasal septum, nasal breathing can also become difficult. In this case, surgical correction is helpful. Other deformations of the entire bridge of the nose can either be congenital or result from various diseases. For example, the saddle nose – a depression of the bridge of the nose – is formed either by trisomy 21 already in the mother’s belly, by tumors on the nose or by fractures. An appropriate nose operation can not only beautify the shape of the nose, but also improve the breathing of the affected person. The usually congenital hump shape of a nose can also be corrected by plastic surgery. If the nasal septum is too long in relation to the bridge of the nose, a so-called tension nose is present. Because the nostrils of a tension nose are too small in many sufferers, it leads to restricted nasal breathing in many cases. Appropriate surgery can also provide relief in this case.