The nose is one of the most vital structures in our body, located in the center of our face. Beyond aesthetics, it is a masterpiece of biological engineering that combines essential functions for our survival and well-being. From filtering the air we breathe to allowing us to enjoy a rich aroma, its role is fundamental. In this article, we will take a deep journey through nasal anatomy, exploring each of its parts, its functions, the most common problems, and how to take care of its health.
What is the nose?
The nose is the main organ of the olfactory system and the main gateway to the respiratory system. It is a pyramidal structure composed of bone, cartilage, muscle, and skin, covered internally by a mucous membrane. Anatomically, it is divided into two main sections: the external nose, the visible part of our face, and the nasal cavity, a complex internal space that extends far beyond what we can see.
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Main functions
The nose has diverse and crucial functions for health. Breathing and smell are among its most recognized functions, but it also works in filtration and purification, trapping dust particles, allergens, bacteria, and viruses; in air conditioning, as it warms and humidifies the inhaled air to protect the structures of the lungs; in phonation, as it acts as a resonating chamber that modulates the voice; and in immune defense, as the nasal mucosa contains antibodies and enzymes that help neutralize pathogens.
Parts of the nose on the outside
The external nose has a pyramidal shape, and its structure largely determines facial harmony. It has several important components that give it its characteristic shape.
Nasal Root or Radix
It is the highest point of the nose, located between the eyes, just below the forehead. It corresponds to the area where the nasal bone articulates with the frontal bone of the skull. It is the most stable and least mobile part of the external nose.
Nasal Dorsum
Commonly known as the "bridge" of the nose, it is the sloping surface that descends from the root to the tip of the nose. It is formed by the union of the nasal bones and the upper lateral cartilages.
Nasal Tip or Apex
It is the most prominent and lowest part of the nose, formed primarily by the lesser alar cartilages and the nasal septum. It is flexible and mobile, unlike the bony dorsum.
Nares or Nostrils
These are the two visible openings at the base of the nose, delimited by the nasal wings and the septum. They are the physical entrance for air into the nasal passages.
Columella
It is the band of soft tissue that separates the two nostrils at the base of the nose. It connects the nasal tip to the upper lip and is supported by the lower portion of the nasal septum.
Nasal Wings or Wing Cartilages
These are the rounded lateral parts of the nose that form the nostrils. They are composed of flexible cartilage and fibrous adipose tissue, covered by skin. Their movement allows the nostrils to partially open and close during deep breathing or in response to certain stimuli.
Parts of the nose inside
The nasal cavity is a symmetrical space divided by the septum, which extends from the nose to the nasopharynx. These parts of the nose are among the least known because we don't notice them with the naked eye.
Nostrils
These are the two cavities (right and left) separated by the nasal septum. They are pear-shaped, narrower at the entrance, and widen toward the back. Their lateral walls are extraordinarily complex.
Nasal septum
It is the middle wall that divides the nasal cavity into two halves. Its anterior part is cartilaginous and flexible, while its posterior part is bony.
Nasal Turbinates
They are three pairs of bony structures (inferior, middle, and superior turbinates), covered with spongy, highly vascular tissue, that grow from the lateral wall of each nostril. Their main function is to increase the surface area of contact with the air, allowing it to be heated, humidified, and filtered efficiently.
Nasal Meatuses
These are the grooves or spaces located beneath each turbinate. They act as drainage channels for the paranasal sinuses and the nasolacrimal duct. The middle meatus, beneath the middle turbinate, is a crucial drainage area for most of the paranasal sinuses.
Nasal and Pituitary Mucosa
It is the tissue that lines the entire nasal cavity. It is composed of a pseudostratified ciliated epithelium with goblet cells that produce mucus. The cilia (small hairs) move in a coordinated manner to move the mucus with trapped particles toward the throat, where it is swallowed. The pituitary is divided into two zones: the red pituitary (lower zone, highly vascularized to heat the air) and the yellow pituitary (upper zone, where the olfactory receptors are located).
Nasal Vestibule
It's the entrance area, just beyond the nostril. It's covered with skin and contains thick hairs called vibrissae, which act as the primary filter for large particles.
Common diseases and problems
Rhinitis
It is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It can be allergic or non-allergic. Its main symptoms are congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itching.
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the mucosa lining the paranasal sinuses, often secondary to a blockage of their drainage openings. It causes facial pain, pressure, congestion, thick discharge, and decreased sense of smell. When acute, it is usually of viral or bacterial origin.
Deviated Nasal Septum
A misalignment of the septum that can be congenital or caused by trauma. It can obstruct one or both nostrils, making breathing difficult, causing snoring, and predisposing to recurrent sinusitis.
We invite you to read our article: You can live with a deviated septum.
Nasal polyps
They are soft, benign, and painless growths of inflamed nasal mucosa. They usually form in the meatuses and around the sinus openings, obstructing airflow and mucus drainage.
Epistaxis (Nosebleed)
It is the discharge of blood from the nasal passages, usually due to the rupture of blood vessels in the highly vascularized area of the anterior septum. It is very common and is usually self-limited.
Disorders and injuries related to the nose
Nasal Fracture
It is a fracture of the nasal bones and/or septal cartilage. It is the most common facial fracture, usually caused by direct trauma. It usually presents with pain, swelling, visible deformity, and sometimes bleeding.
Rhinophyma
It is a severe form of rosacea that affects the nose, causing thickening and deformation of the skin, which becomes reddish, irregular and bulbous.
Septum Perforation
An opening or hole in the nasal septum. It can be caused by previous surgeries, repeated trauma, intranasal cocaine use, or autoimmune diseases. It can cause wheezing, crusting, and bleeding.
Congenital Deformities
The most notable is cleft lip and palate, which can also affect the nasal structure. Other deformities, such as saddle nose, can be associated with diseases such as leprosy or granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Tips for maintaining nasal health
There are many habits that help us maintain nasal health, such as nasal irrigation with saline solution, which cleans and hydrates the nasal passages, removing allergens, mucus, and contaminants, or the use of a humidifier, which helps maintain adequate moisture in the nasal mucosa. We can also take some precautions to protect the nose from injury, such as wearing protective gear such as helmets or face shields when playing contact sports, and avoiding inserting objects, fingers, or cotton swabs into the nasal cavity, as these can damage the nasal mucosa and cause bleeding or infection. Additionally, managing allergies to reduce chronic inflammation, quitting smoking, and maintaining a balanced diet with good hydration are crucial for strengthening the immune system.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which part of the nose breaks most easily?
The nasal bones are the most frequently fractured due to their prominent position and thin structure. The septal cartilage can also be fractured or deviated by an impact.
What is the difference between the septum and the nasal dorsum?
The nasal septum is the internal structure that divides the two nostrils. The nasal dorsum is the external structure that forms the profile or "bridge" of the nose. The dorsum is supported, in part, by the cartilage of the septum.
Can all parts of the nose be operated on?
Yes, practically all parts of the nose, both external and internal. The Rhinoplasty and the least invasive technique of ultrasonic rhinoplasty They focus on the external structure, while the septoplasty corrects deviations of the internal septum. Procedures such as turbinoplasty reduce the size of the turbinates.
What are the symptoms of swollen nasal turbinates?
Inflammation of the turbinates (turbinate hypertrophy) primarily causes persistent nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, snoring, decreased sense of smell, and sometimes postnasal drip.
Why does the inside of the nose swell?
The most common causes are allergic reactions, infections, environmental irritants, hormonal changes, and overuse of nasal decongestant sprays.
Conclusion
The nose is an organ of astonishing complexity, where form and function are intrinsically linked. Understanding its parts allows us to appreciate the incredible work it silently performs with every breath we take. Its health is essential to our overall well-being, so adopting simple care habits and consulting a specialist if you experience persistent problems is the best strategy to ensure it continues to perform its vital functions optimally throughout our lives.
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