Nose Anatomy (External & Internal) | Concise Medical Knowledge (2025)

Table of Contents
Functions of the Nose Respiration Olfaction Olfaction The sense of smell, or olfaction, begins in a small area on the roof of the nasal cavity, which is covered in specialized mucosa. From there, the olfactory nerve transmits the sensory perception of smell via the olfactory pathway. This pathway is composed of the olfactory cells and bulb, the tractus and striae olfactoriae, and the primary olfactory cortex and amygdala. Olfaction: Anatomy Purification and moisturizing of inhaled air Sense of taste Speech The External Nose (+ Diagram) Structure ( skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions, bony components, nasal cartilage Cartilage Cartilage is a type of connective tissue derived from embryonic mesenchyme that is responsible for structural support, resilience, and the smoothness of physical actions. Perichondrium (connective tissue membrane surrounding cartilage) compensates for the absence of vasculature in cartilage by providing nutrition and support. Cartilage: Histology) Muscles The Nasal Conchae Functions of the nasal conchae Nasal meatuses Neurovasculature of the Nose Arterial supply (blood vessels of the nose) Venous drainage Innervation (nerves in the nose) Related videos References

Functions of the Nose

The nose assists with numerous body functions, ranging from the vital process of respiration to the augmentation of taste.

Respiration

  • Inhaled air enters the nose through the nostrils and exits during exhalation.
  • From the nose, the inhaled air travels to the nasopharynx Nasopharynx The top portion of the pharynx situated posterior to the nose and superior to the soft palate. The nasopharynx is the posterior extension of the nasal cavities and has a respiratory function. Pharynx: Anatomy → oropharynx Oropharynx The middle portion of the pharynx that lies posterior to the mouth, inferior to the soft palate, and superior to the base of the tongue and epiglottis. It has a digestive function as food passes from the mouth into the oropharynx before entering esophagus. Pharynx: Anatomy → larynx Larynx The larynx, also commonly called the voice box, is a cylindrical space located in the neck at the level of the C3-C6 vertebrae. The major structures forming the framework of the larynx are the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and epiglottis. The larynx serves to produce sound (phonation), conducts air to the trachea, and prevents large molecules from reaching the lungs. Larynx: Anatomy → lungs Lungs Lungs are the main organs of the respiratory system. Lungs are paired viscera located in the thoracic cavity and are composed of spongy tissue. The primary function of the lungs is to oxygenate blood and eliminate CO2. Lungs: Anatomy

Olfaction Olfaction The sense of smell, or olfaction, begins in a small area on the roof of the nasal cavity, which is covered in specialized mucosa. From there, the olfactory nerve transmits the sensory perception of smell via the olfactory pathway. This pathway is composed of the olfactory cells and bulb, the tractus and striae olfactoriae, and the primary olfactory cortex and amygdala. Olfaction: Anatomy

  • Inhaled air comes in contact with the olfactory epithelium Olfactory epithelium Olfaction: Anatomy, located on the roof of the nasal cavity.
  • Within the epithelium Epithelium The epithelium is a complex of specialized cellular organizations arranged into sheets and lining cavities and covering the surfaces of the body. The cells exhibit polarity, having an apical and a basal pole. Structures important for the epithelial integrity and function involve the basement membrane, the semipermeable sheet on which the cells rest, and interdigitations, as well as cellular junctions. Surface Epithelium: Histology, olfactory receptors Receptors Receptors are proteins located either on the surface of or within a cell that can bind to signaling molecules known as ligands (e.g., hormones) and cause some type of response within the cell. Receptors bind BIND Hyperbilirubinemia of the Newborn odor molecules.
  • The receptors Receptors Receptors are proteins located either on the surface of or within a cell that can bind to signaling molecules known as ligands (e.g., hormones) and cause some type of response within the cell. Receptors are connected to the olfactory nerve, which transmits these signals to the brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification.

Purification and moisturizing of inhaled air

  • The walls of the nasal cavity are covered with hair, or cilia.
  • The cilia trap dust and harmful particles to purify the inhaled air.
  • The trapped dust particles are either:
    • Moved to the throat Throat The pharynx is a component of the digestive system that lies posterior to the nasal cavity, oral cavity, and larynx. The pharynx can be divided into the oropharynx, nasopharynx, and laryngopharynx. Pharyngeal muscles play an integral role in vital processes such as breathing, swallowing, and speaking. Pharynx: Anatomy, where they are swallowed
    • Excreted through the nasal cavity ( sneezing Sneezing The sudden, forceful, involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth caused by irritation to the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Rhinovirus)
  • Nose hair moisturizes and warms the air to the approximate temperature and moisture within the lungs Lungs Lungs are the main organs of the respiratory system. Lungs are paired viscera located in the thoracic cavity and are composed of spongy tissue. The primary function of the lungs is to oxygenate blood and eliminate CO2. Lungs: Anatomy.
  • During exhalation, the heat Heat Inflammation and moisture in the CO2 are absorbed by the nasal hair and then released into the atmosphere.

Sense of taste

  • While chewing, chemicals from food activate olfactory receptors Receptors Receptors are proteins located either on the surface of or within a cell that can bind to signaling molecules known as ligands (e.g., hormones) and cause some type of response within the cell. Receptors inside the nose.
  • These receptors Receptors Receptors are proteins located either on the surface of or within a cell that can bind to signaling molecules known as ligands (e.g., hormones) and cause some type of response within the cell. Receptors work in coordination Coordination Cerebellar Disorders with the taste buds Taste buds Small sensory organs which contain gustatory receptor cells, basal cells, and supporting cells. Taste buds in humans are found in the epithelia of the tongue, palate, and pharynx. They are innervated by the chorda tympani nerve (a branch of the facial nerve) and the glossopharyngeal nerve. Lips and Tongue: Anatomy to identify food flavor.

Speech

  • Nasal airflow can modify speech and produce nasal clicks Clicks A high-pitched sound occurring at the point of maximal opening of the valves Heart Sounds or click consonants.
  • Paranasal sinuses Paranasal Sinuses The 4 pair of paranasal sinuses include the maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinuses. The sinuses are a group of air-filled cavities located within the facial and cranial skeleton; all are connected to the main nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Paranasal Sinuses: Anatomy also contribute to vocal resonance.

The External Nose (+ Diagram)

Structure ( skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions, bony components, nasal cartilage Cartilage Cartilage is a type of connective tissue derived from embryonic mesenchyme that is responsible for structural support, resilience, and the smoothness of physical actions. Perichondrium (connective tissue membrane surrounding cartilage) compensates for the absence of vasculature in cartilage by providing nutrition and support. Cartilage: Histology)

The external nose is pyramidal in shape. The nose consists of:

  • A proximal nasal root
  • The apex at the tip of the nose
  • 2 inferior nares Nares Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS)/nostrils (openings to the nasal cavity)
  • Skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions:
    • The skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions over the bony part of the nose is thin.
    • The skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions over the cartilaginous part is thicker and has many sebaceous glands.
    • The skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions extends into the vestibule Vestibule An oval, bony chamber of the inner ear, part of the bony labyrinth. It is continuous with bony cochlea anteriorly, and semicircular canals posteriorly. The vestibule contains two communicating sacs (utricle and saccule) of the balancing apparatus. The oval window on its lateral wall is occupied by the base of the stapes of the middle ear. Ear: Anatomy of the nose via the nares Nares Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS).
    • Vestibular skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions has hairs that function to filter air.
  • Bony component is located superiorly and consists of:
    • Superiorly: inferior border of the nasal bones
    • Laterally: frontal Frontal The bone that forms the frontal aspect of the skull. Its flat part forms the forehead, articulating inferiorly with the nasal bone and the cheek bone on each side of the face. Skull: Anatomy processes of the maxilla Maxilla One of a pair of irregularly shaped bones that form the upper jaw. A maxillary bone provides tooth sockets for the superior teeth, forms part of the orbit, and contains the maxillary sinus. Skull: Anatomy
    • Inferiorly: alveolar processes of the maxilla Maxilla One of a pair of irregularly shaped bones that form the upper jaw. A maxillary bone provides tooth sockets for the superior teeth, forms part of the orbit, and contains the maxillary sinus. Skull: Anatomy
  • Cartilaginous component: located inferiorly and consists of
    • 2 lateral cartilages
    • 2 alar cartilages
    • 1 septal cartilage Cartilage Cartilage is a type of connective tissue derived from embryonic mesenchyme that is responsible for structural support, resilience, and the smoothness of physical actions. Perichondrium (connective tissue membrane surrounding cartilage) compensates for the absence of vasculature in cartilage by providing nutrition and support. Cartilage: Histology

Muscles

The external nose contains muscles that aid with facial expression and in maintaining patency of the nostrils.

  • Procerus Procerus Facial Muscles: Anatomy muscle:
    • Originates in the fascia Fascia Layers of connective tissue of variable thickness. The superficial fascia is found immediately below the skin; the deep fascia invests muscles, nerves, and other organs. Cellulitis overlying the nasal bone Bone Bone is a compact type of hardened connective tissue composed of bone cells, membranes, an extracellular mineralized matrix, and central bone marrow. The 2 primary types of bone are compact and spongy. Bones: Structure and Types
    • Inserts into the inferior forehead Forehead The part of the face above the eyes. Melasma
    • Contraction depresses the medial eyebrows and wrinkles the skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions of the superior dorsum.
  • Nasalis Nasalis Facial Muscles: Anatomy muscle:
    • Sphincter-like muscle
    • Transverse portion: assists the procerus Procerus Facial Muscles: Anatomy muscle
    • Alar portion:
      • Arises from the maxilla Maxilla One of a pair of irregularly shaped bones that form the upper jaw. A maxillary bone provides tooth sockets for the superior teeth, forms part of the orbit, and contains the maxillary sinus. Skull: Anatomy
      • Inserts into the major alar cartilage Cartilage Cartilage is a type of connective tissue derived from embryonic mesenchyme that is responsible for structural support, resilience, and the smoothness of physical actions. Perichondrium (connective tissue membrane surrounding cartilage) compensates for the absence of vasculature in cartilage by providing nutrition and support. Cartilage: Histology
      • Contraction dilates the nares Nares Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS), flaring them.

The Nasal Conchae

The nasal conchae are 3 bony shelves arising from the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, curling inferomedially. They are also called turbinates, as they function similarly to a turbine, regulating air flow Flow Blood flows through the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins in a closed, continuous circuit. Flow is the movement of volume per unit of time. Flow is affected by the pressure gradient and the resistance fluid encounters between 2 points. Vascular resistance is the opposition to flow, which is caused primarily by blood friction against vessel walls. Vascular Resistance, Flow, and Mean Arterial Pressure.

Functions of the nasal conchae

The conchae slow the flow Flow Blood flows through the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins in a closed, continuous circuit. Flow is the movement of volume per unit of time. Flow is affected by the pressure gradient and the resistance fluid encounters between 2 points. Vascular resistance is the opposition to flow, which is caused primarily by blood friction against vessel walls. Vascular Resistance, Flow, and Mean Arterial Pressure of air so it can be cleaned, warmed, and humidified in the nasal cavity. They maximize the surface area of nasal mucosa:

  • Superior concha: smallest, protect the olfactory bulb Olfactory bulb Ovoid body resting on the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone where the olfactory nerve terminates. The olfactory bulb contains several types of nerve cells including the mitral cells, on whose dendrites the olfactory nerve synapses, forming the olfactory glomeruli. The accessory olfactory bulb, which receives the projection from the vomeronasal organ via the vomeronasal nerve, is also included here. Olfaction: Anatomy (structure housing smell Smell The sense of smell, or olfaction, begins in a small area on the roof of the nasal cavity, which is covered in specialized mucosa. From there, the olfactory nerve transmits the sensory perception of smell via the olfactory pathway. This pathway is composed of the olfactory cells and bulb, the tractus and striae olfactoriae, and the primary olfactory cortex and amygdala. Olfaction: Anatomy receptors Receptors Receptors are proteins located either on the surface of or within a cell that can bind to signaling molecules known as ligands (e.g., hormones) and cause some type of response within the cell. Receptors)
  • Middle concha: protects the openings of the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses from pressurized nasal airflow
  • Inferior concha: largest, responsible for the majority of airflow modification

Nasal meatuses

The conchae divide the nasal airway Airway ABCDE Assessment into 4 groove-like air passages called meatuses.

  1. Superior meatus:
    • Between the middle and superior conchae
    • The posterior ethmoidal sinuses drain into it.
    • The sphenopalatine foramen opens into it.
  2. Middle meatus:
    • Between the inferior and middle conchae
    • Frontal Frontal The bone that forms the frontal aspect of the skull. Its flat part forms the forehead, articulating inferiorly with the nasal bone and the cheek bone on each side of the face. Skull: Anatomy, maxillary, and anterior and middle ethmoidal sinuses drain into it.
  3. Inferior meatus:
    • Between the inferior concha and the floor of the nasal cavity
    • The auditory (Eustachian) tube opens into it.
    • The nasolacrimal gland drains into it.
  4. Sphenoethmoidal recess:
    • Located posterior and superior to the superior concha
    • The sphenoid sinus Sphenoid sinus One of the paired air spaces located in the body of the sphenoid bone behind the ethmoid bone in the middle of the skull. Sphenoid sinus communicates with the posterosuperior part of nasal cavity on the same side. Paranasal Sinuses: Anatomy drains into it.

Neurovasculature of the Nose

Arterial supply (blood vessels of the nose)

  • Internal carotid:
    • Anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries Arteries Arteries are tubular collections of cells that transport oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to the tissues of the body. The blood passes through the arteries in order of decreasing luminal diameter, starting in the largest artery (the aorta) and ending in the small arterioles. Arteries are classified into 3 types: large elastic arteries, medium muscular arteries, and small arteries and arterioles. Arteries: Histology supply the septum.
    • Lateral nasal branch of the facial artery supplies the nasal ridge/alae.
  • External carotid branches:
    • Supply the lateral walls, dorsum, and septum
    • Sphenopalatine artery
    • Greater palatine artery Greater palatine artery Palate: Anatomy
    • Lateral nasal arteries Arteries Arteries are tubular collections of cells that transport oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to the tissues of the body. The blood passes through the arteries in order of decreasing luminal diameter, starting in the largest artery (the aorta) and ending in the small arterioles. Arteries are classified into 3 types: large elastic arteries, medium muscular arteries, and small arteries and arterioles. Arteries: Histology
    • Superior labial artery
    • Angular artery (terminal branch of facial artery)
  • Common carotid artery Common carotid artery The two principal arteries supplying the structures of the head and neck. They ascend in the neck, one on each side, and at the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, each divides into two branches, the external and internal carotid arteries. Carotid Arterial System: Anatomy system: Kiesselbach’s plexus at the anterior lower part of the septum (most common source of bleeding in epistaxis Epistaxis Bleeding from the nose. Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis)

Venous drainage

The veins Veins Veins are tubular collections of cells, which transport deoxygenated blood and waste from the capillary beds back to the heart. Veins are classified into 3 types: small veins/venules, medium veins, and large veins. Each type contains 3 primary layers: tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia. Veins: Histology tend to follow the arteries Arteries Arteries are tubular collections of cells that transport oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to the tissues of the body. The blood passes through the arteries in order of decreasing luminal diameter, starting in the largest artery (the aorta) and ending in the small arterioles. Arteries are classified into 3 types: large elastic arteries, medium muscular arteries, and small arteries and arterioles. Arteries: Histology. The veins Veins Veins are tubular collections of cells, which transport deoxygenated blood and waste from the capillary beds back to the heart. Veins are classified into 3 types: small veins/venules, medium veins, and large veins. Each type contains 3 primary layers: tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia. Veins: Histology drain into:

  • Pterygoid plexus
  • Facial vein
  • Cavernous sinus

Innervation (nerves in the nose)

  • Sensory Sensory Neurons which conduct nerve impulses to the central nervous system. Nervous System: Histology innervation to the superior wall and anterior aspect of the inner nose: ophthalmic nerve
  • Sensory Sensory Neurons which conduct nerve impulses to the central nervous system. Nervous System: Histology innervation to the septum and lateral walls: branches of the maxillary nerve
  • Sensory Sensory Neurons which conduct nerve impulses to the central nervous system. Nervous System: Histology perception Perception The process by which the nature and meaning of sensory stimuli are recognized and interpreted. Psychiatric Assessment of smell Smell The sense of smell, or olfaction, begins in a small area on the roof of the nasal cavity, which is covered in specialized mucosa. From there, the olfactory nerve transmits the sensory perception of smell via the olfactory pathway. This pathway is composed of the olfactory cells and bulb, the tractus and striae olfactoriae, and the primary olfactory cortex and amygdala. Olfaction: Anatomy: olfactory nerve
Nose Anatomy (External & Internal) | Concise Medical Knowledge (2025)

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