Nasal Anatomy

Nasal anatomy plays an important role in both diagnosis and the underlying cause of the nasal problem.  A simplified version of external points on the nose are listed to facilitate communication.

Nose Frontal

• Glabella- The most anterior (forward) portion of the forehead.
• Nasion-  The nasal starting point of the nose.  This is where the nasal bones meet the frontal bones (bones of the forehead).
• Rhinion-  The top of the nose meets the middle of the nose.  The bony part of the nose (Nasal bones) meets the cartilage part of the nose.
• Middle Vault-  This is the middle part of the nose.  Its supported by the upper lateral cartilages which prevent it from narrowing.  It is also location of the narrowest portion of the nasal airway called the internal nasal valve.  This is location where spreader grafts are placed to provide additional support to the nasal airway.
• Tip Defining Point-  The tip defining point is what provides highlights on the frontal view.  If it is created in appearance by the dome of the lower lateral cartilage.  Patients with thin skin are often concerned about too visible of tip cartilages while patients with thicker skin want more “definition” to the nasal tip.
• Soft tissue Facet-  A small area not supported by cartilage which provides a transition from the nostril, alar rim to the nasal tip.  The facets are obscured with some rhinoplasty maneuvers.
• Nasal tip and infratip lobule-  The tip of the nose and its relation to the lower part of the nose.
• Columella- The columella is located between the nostrils.  It is typically the medial crus of the lower lateral cartilages.
• Philtrum.

Nose Profile Anatomy

• Glabella- The most anterior (forward) portion of the forehead
• Nasion-  The nasal starting point of the nose.  This is where the nasal bones meet the frontal bones (bones of the forehead)
• Rhinion-  The top of the nose meets the middle of the nose.  The bony part of the nose (Nasal bones) meets the cartilage part of the nose.
• Supratip break- In some patients it is more desirable to have less fullness here.
• Nasal tip-  Typically the most projected (sticking out) part of the nose
• Alar crease
• Infratip lobule- Provides a soft transition from the nasal tip to the columella
• Nasolabial angle- Angle which determines how “up” or “down” nose is.

Nasal Base Anatomy

• Supratip break
• Soft tissue triangle
• Alar width
• Infratip lobule
• Base width
• Nostril Sill
• Columella Philtral Junction