Minor alar cartilage

Diagram of the nasal bones and cartilages. (Minor alar cartilage not labeled, but region is visible.)

The Minor Alar Cartilage is a small, paired cartilage found in the human nose. It is part of the nasal cartilage structure and plays a crucial role in the shape and functionality of the nose.

Structure

The minor alar cartilages are located in the lower part of the nose, adjacent to the greater alar cartilage. They are typically smaller and more variable in shape than the greater alar cartilages. The minor alar cartilages are connected to the greater alar cartilages and the septal cartilage by fibrous tissue.

Function

The minor alar cartilages contribute to the shape of the nostrils and the overall structure of the nose. They provide support to the nostrils, preventing them from collapsing during inhalation.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities or injuries to the minor alar cartilages can result in deformities of the nose, such as a deviated septum or a collapsed nostril. These conditions can be corrected through rhinoplasty, a type of plastic surgery that reshapes the nose.

See Also

• Nasal cartilage
• Greater alar cartilage
• Septal cartilage
• Rhinoplasty