Nasal septum

The nasal septum separates the left and right airways in the nose, dividing the two nostrils.

It is depressed by the Depressor septi nasi muscle.

Composition

The fleshy external end of the nasal septum is sometimes also called columella.

The nasal septum is composed of five structures: perpendicular plate of ethmoid bone
vomer bone
cartilage of the septum
crest of the maxillary bone
crest of the palatine bone

Clinical significance

The nasal septum can depart from the centreline of the nose; this condition is known as a deviated septum. A perforated nasal septum can be caused by an ulcer, trauma due to an inserted object, excessive nose-picking, long-term exposure to welding fumes, or cocaine abuse. There is a new procedure that can be of help to those suffering from perforated septum. A silicone button can be inserted in the hole to close the open sore.

An operation to the nasal septum is known as a septoplasty.

Translation

The phrase "Nasal septum" occurs as such in the following languages: English, Simple English.

Translation(s) in other languages: Arabic: حاجز الأنف, German: Nasenscheidewand, Spanish: Tabique nasal, Persian: تیغه بینی, French: Septum nasal, Galician: Tabique nasal, Hebrew: מחיצת האף, Hungarian: Orrsövény, Italian: Setto nasale, Dutch: Neustussenschot, Polish: Przegroda nosowa, Portuguese: Septo nasal, Chinese: 鼻中隔.