Click on the structure to specify the target of your label
![]() |
01 | ![]() |
Nasal
Other Terms:
Os nasale,
Os nasal
Type
flat
Description
These are small, rectangular bones of a flattened nature. They can be readily palpated as the bridge of the nose. The external surface of this bone provides attachment for the procerus, a thin muscle of facial expression.
Etymology
This term comes from the Latin nasus that arises from the Sanskrit term nasa, both meaning nose.
Articulations
The nasal bone articulates with four bones: the frontal, the ethmoid, the opposite nasal, and the maxilla. Articulation with the frontal is via the serrated superior margin. The thin lateral margin butts against the frontal process of the maxilla. The medial border meets with its fellow from the opposing side and superiorly articulates with a small portion of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone. Inferiorly, the notched margin is continuous with the lateral nasal cartilage.
Ossification
The nasal bone ossifies from an intramembranous center that arises in the third month of fetal life anterior to the cartilaginous nasal capsule.
Latin
Os nasale
French
Os nasal