Nasal septum

Nasal septum

Bones and cartilages of the septum of the nose. Right side.
Latin	septum nasi
Nerve	Nasopalatine nerve, anterior ethmoidal nerve
Precursor	Frontonasal prominence, medial nasal prominence
System	Respiratory system

The nasal septum (septum nasi) is a structure within the nose that separates the left and right nasal cavities. It is composed of both bone and cartilage and plays a crucial role in supporting the nose and regulating airflow.

Anatomy

The nasal septum is made up of several components:

• The perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone forms the superior part.
• The vomer forms the posterior and inferior part.
• The septal cartilage (quadrangular cartilage) forms the anterior part.

Blood Supply

The nasal septum receives blood from several arteries:

• The sphenopalatine artery, a branch of the maxillary artery.
• The greater palatine artery, also a branch of the maxillary artery.
• The superior labial artery, a branch of the facial artery.
• The anterior ethmoidal artery, a branch of the ophthalmic artery.

Innervation

The nasal septum is innervated by:

• The nasopalatine nerve, a branch of the maxillary nerve.
• The anterior ethmoidal nerve, a branch of the ophthalmic nerve.

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymph from the nasal septum drains into the:

• Submandibular lymph nodes
• Retropharyngeal lymph nodes

Clinical Significance

A common condition associated with the nasal septum is a deviated septum, where the septum is displaced to one side, potentially causing breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, and sinusitis. Treatment may involve septoplasty, a surgical procedure to correct the deviation.

See Also

• Nasal cavity
• Nasal concha
• Nasal bone
• Nasal cartilage
• Respiratory system