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Topic

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Nasal bone

The nasal bones are a pair of small, oblong bones forming the bridge of the nose and contributing to the anterior part of the facial skeleton. They articulate with each other in the midline and with surrounding facial bones to provide structural support to the upper nose.

Because of their superficial position, nasal bones are frequently evaluated in facial trauma and are important landmarks in facial anatomy and imaging.

Synonyms

  • Nasal bones

  • Bones of the nasal bridge

Location

  • Situated in the midline of the upper face

  • Form the bony bridge of the nose

  • Located inferior to the frontal bone

  • Anterior to the nasal cavity

  • Superior to the cartilaginous nasal framework

  • Medial to the frontal processes of the maxillae

Anatomical components

  • Paired nasal bones

  • External surface:

    • Convex

    • Forms the contour of the nasal bridge

  • Internal surface:

    • Concave

    • Contributes to the roof of the nasal cavity

  • Borders:

    • Superior border: articulates with frontal bone

    • Inferior border: articulates with nasal cartilages

    • Medial border: forms internasal suture

    • Lateral border: articulates with frontal process of maxilla

Relations

Superiorly:

  • Frontal bone

  • Frontal suture (metopic region in children)

Inferiorly:

  • Upper lateral nasal cartilages

Medially:

  • Opposite nasal bone

  • Internasal suture

Laterally:

  • Frontal process of the maxilla

Posteriorly:

  • Nasal cavity

  • Nasal mucosa and septal structures

Function

  • Structural support: Forms the rigid framework of the nasal bridge

  • Protection: Shields the upper nasal cavity

  • Facial contour: Contributes to nasal shape and facial aesthetics

  • Attachment site: Provides anchorage for nasal cartilages and soft tissues

X-ray appearance

Facial / nasal bone radiographs:

  • Nasal bones: Thin, paired radiopaque structures

  • Internasal suture: Fine midline radiolucent line

  • Margins: Smooth and symmetric

  • Projection dependence: Best appreciated on lateral and dedicated nasal bone views

CT appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Nasal bones: Thin cortical bone with high attenuation

  • Internasal suture: Narrow hypodense line between bones

  • Relationship: Clear articulation with frontal bone and maxilla

Post-contrast CT:

  • Bone: No enhancement

  • Adjacent soft tissues: Expected enhancement of skin and mucosa

3D CT VRT appearance

Volume-rendered technique (VRT):

  • Nasal bridge: Smooth, symmetric contour

  • Paired bones: Clearly visualized as two small rectangular plates

  • Internasal suture: Visible as a fine midline seam

  • Utility: Excellent for assessing bony anatomy and surface morphology

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: Low signal intensity

  • Bone marrow (if present): Intermediate signal

  • Overlying soft tissues: High signal from subcutaneous fat

T2-weighted images:

  • Bone cortex: Low signal

  • Adjacent nasal soft tissues: Intermediate-to-high signal

X ray image

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CT VRT 3D image

Nasal bone 3d