Anatomical variation of the nasal septum: Correlation among septal components

Abstract

The nasal septum consists of multiple components with various developmental origins and is considered a mosaic structure. Few studies have focused on anatomical relationships among the components of the nasal septum, even though they are essential for clinical assessments of morphological abnormalities in the nasal septum. This study was performed to evaluate anatomical correlations among components of the nasal septum using computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinus. We studied images from CT scans of 168 paranasal sinuses collected at a secondary referral hospital between July 2008 and February 2009. The area of each component of the nasal septum was measured using median sagittal images of CT scans after three-dimensional reconstruction using computer software. The area of the cartilaginous septum decreased with age, whereas the area of the total nasal septum remained constant. The area of the perpendicular plate of ethmoid increased with age at the expense of the area of the septal cartilage.

Analysis of the Development of the Nasal Septum and Measurement of the Harvestable Septal Cartilage in Koreans Using Three-Dimensional Facial Bone Computed Tomography Scanning

“…The mean area of the septal cartilage (872.47 mm 2 ) was significantly larger than those found in the cadaver study (817.2 mm 2 ) [5], in the PNS CT study (752.76 mm 2 ) [8], and in the MRI study (692 mm 2 ) [9]. The authors assume that the reason for the larger area values of the septal cartilage in our study is the inclusion of the SP, which is the septal tail, with a mean area of 69.46 mm 2 .…”

“…In a gender comparison, most studies [8,9] have reported that the total nasal septum area was significantly larger in the males than females, but the septal cartilage was not significantly different in size. However, in this study, the areas of both the total nasal septum and the septal cartilage were significantly greater in the males than females (P<0.05).…”

The Role of Septal Cartilage in Rhinoplasty: Cadaveric Analysis and Assessment of Graft Selection

“…1,3,6,[14][15][16] The intricate anatomy of the nose and its relationship to nasal support, respiratory function, and facial development have been well established. [1][2][3][4]17 The placement of autogenous septal cartilage in rhinoplasty and complex nasal reconstruction has also been extensively discussed.…”

Toward tissue-engineering of nasal cartilages

“…Stimuli, such as mechanical forces or growth factors, may be applied to improve neocartilage functional properties and organization [100]. It should be noted that both nasal and articular cartilages are hyaline and result from endochondral ossification [101].…”