Nasal septum

The nasal septum separates the left and right airways in the nose and divides the two nostrils.

Bones and cartilages of septum of nose. Right side.

Composition

The fleshy external end of the nasal septum is sometimes also called columella.

The nasal septum is composed of three structures:

• ethmoid bone
• vomer bone
• quadrangular cartilage

Clinical significance

The nasal septum can depart from the centreline of the nose; this condition is known as a deviated septum. Injury, excessive nose-picking and cocaine usage can cause septum perforations, or holes developing in the septum.

An operation to the nasal septum is known as a septoplasty.

Additional images

• 
  Horizontal section of nasal and orbital cavities.
• 
  Left orbicularis oculi, seen from behind.
• 
  Cartilages of the nose, seen from below.
• 
  Coronal section of nasal cavities.
• 
  Front of nasal part of pharynx, as seen with the laryngoscope.
• 
  MRI image showimg nasal septum.

Other websites

• Diagram at evmsent.org Archived 2006-05-04 at the Wayback Machine