Nasal septum

Nasal Septum

The Nasal septum is a thin structure within the nose that separates the left and right nostrils. It is composed of a central supporting skeleton that is covered on each side by mucous membrane.

Structure

The front part of this natural partition is a firm but bendable structure made mostly of cartilage and is covered by skin that has a substantial supply of blood vessels. The ideal nasal septum is exactly midline, separating the left and right sides of the nose into passageways of equal size.

Components

The nasal septum contains bone and hyaline cartilage. It has three components:

• Ethmoid bone
• Vomer bone
• Septal nasal cartilage

Clinical significance

A Deviated septum occurs when the septum is severely shifted away from the midline. The most common symptom from a badly deviated or crooked septum is difficulty breathing through the nose. The symptoms are usually worse on one side, and sometimes actually occur on the side opposite the bend. In some cases, sinus openings can be blocked leading to recurrent sinus infections.

See also

• Nasal septum deviation
• Nasal septum perforation
• Septoplasty

References

Nasal septum Resources
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