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Nasal spine of frontal bone

The nasal spine of the frontal bone is a small but distinct midline bony projection arising from the inferior part of the frontal bone. It projects downward between the nasal bones and articulates with the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid, contributing to the formation of the nasal septum and anterior cranial base anatomy.

Although subtle, the nasal spine is an important anatomical landmark in craniofacial anatomy, skull base imaging, trauma assessment, and surgical planning involving the nasofrontal region.

Synonyms

  • Frontal nasal spine

  • Nasal spine of frontal bone

Location

  • Located in the midline at the inferior margin of the frontal bone

  • Projects downward between the paired nasal bones

  • Forms part of the roof of the nasal cavity

  • Anterior to the crista galli

  • Superior to the nasal septum

  • At the junction of the anterior cranial fossa and nasal cavity

Anatomical components

  • Midline bony projection of frontal bone

  • Articulations:

    • Nasal bones (anteriorly)

    • Perpendicular plate of the ethmoid (posteriorly)

  • Associated structures:

    • Frontal bone nasal notch

    • Anterior cranial base

Relations

Anteriorly:

  • Nasal bones

  • Skin and soft tissues of the nasal bridge

Posteriorly:

  • Perpendicular plate of the ethmoid

  • Anterior cranial fossa dura

Inferiorly:

  • Nasal septum (ethmoid component)

  • Nasal cavity

Superiorly:

  • Frontal sinus floor (when present)

  • Frontal bone

Laterally:

  • Frontal processes of the maxilla

  • Nasal bones

Developmental anatomy

  • Develops from the frontal bone ossification center

  • Well formed in adulthood

  • Size and prominence vary between individuals

  • May appear blunt, sharp, or flattened as a normal variant

X-ray appearance

Skull radiographs (lateral / occipitomental views):

  • Nasal spine: Small midline bony projection at the inferior frontal bone

  • Visibility: Often subtle and may be partially obscured by overlapping nasal bones

  • Contour: Smooth and corticated

CT appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Nasal spine: Well-defined osseous projection with cortical margins

  • Density: Similar to surrounding frontal bone cortex

  • Articulation: Clearly seen joining the nasal bones and ethmoid

Post-contrast CT:

  • Bone: No enhancement

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Nasal spine: Low signal intensity consistent with cortical bone

  • Adjacent marrow: Intermediate signal

  • Surrounding soft tissues: Normal signal characteristics

T2-weighted images:

  • Bone cortex: Low signal

  • Nasal cavity air: Signal void inferiorly

X-Ray image

Nasal spine of frontal bone