A systematic review of the nasal index and the significance of the shape and size of the nose in rhinology

Abstract

Nasal proportions are important aesthetically but appear to have little relevance to the rhinologist.

A Computational Study of Nasal Spray Deposition Pattern in Four Ethnic Groups

“…(37,44,53) In addition, our preliminary reports revealed that Latin Americans and Caucasians have comparable SA:V, and the NI for Asians and Latin Americans were also similar.…”

“…(36) In the absence of pathological abnormalities, anthropologists believed that variations in normal nasal shapes and sizes of the external nose were due to evolutionary adaptation of humans to climatic conditions. (37,38) Specifically, the ratio between the width and height of the external nose, known as the ''nasal index'' has been reported to correlate with geographic regions: (39) the ''platyrrhine'' (broad-nose) nasal index, described as a typical nose of the African race is associated with a hot, moist climate; a typical Caucasian nose, classified as ''leptorrhine'' (narrow-nose) nasal index is associated with a cold, dry climate; and a classic Asian nose is considered medium sized and is classified as ''mesorrhine''. (38)(39)(40) In addition, studies have reported that the internal nasal morphology of Caucasians tend to be narrower and longer than AfricanAmericans (Blacks).…”

“…(45) With regard to nasal physiology, it is hypothesized that individuals from ethnic origins associated with cold and dry climates tend to have greater nasal surface area to volume ratio (SA:V), a characteristic that would allow for greater airflow interactions with nasal mucosa, as well as enhance heat and moisture exchange in the cavity during respiration. (44) However, a systematic review study conducted by Leong and Eccles (37) reported no consistent evidence in the literature to support the notion that differences in nasal shape and size based on ethnic descent influence nasal physiology. Nonetheless, little is known concerning the effect (if any) of differences in inter-racial nasal morphology on particle transport in the sinonasal cavity.…”

Anthropometric Characterization of Nasal Parameters in Adults Oyemekun Ethnic Group in Akure Southwest Nigeria

“…1. Nasal parameter: As shown in [ Table 1] In age group (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25) the mean values of NL and ND for females significantly different from the males, P< 0.05 while that of NH and NB are not significantly different P> 0.05. Nasal indexes (NI) on living head between 85 and 99.9 is Platyrrhine and those from 100 and above are hyperplatyrrhine therefore for female between ages 18-25 they are found to be Platyrrhine (94.58) and male to be hyperplatyrrhine (100) .…”

“…The nasal index (NI), expressed as the percentage ratio of breadth and height of the nose, is one of the most commonly used anthropometric parameters in classifying human races [19,20]. In anthropology and forensic medicine Nasal proportions, together with other physical characteristics, such as skin color and hair texture are used to identify the different 'races' [21]. Not only the race but also sex of an individual or group whose identity is unknown, might be determined using the nasal index [15].Nasal index is also useful in the analysis and classification of fossil remains as well as the study of living population [22].…”