Lateral Nasal Cartilage, Anterior View

Description

Arising inferior to the paired nasal bones, the lateral nasal cartilages (upper lateral cartilages) appear as triangular plates forming the superior portion of the external nasal sidewalls. From an anterior angle, each cartilage lies lateral to the cartilaginous nasal septum and approaches it medially along the dorsal septal edge, while its inferior margin transitions toward the alar cartilages that shape the nostril rim. The nasal aperture is framed by the maxilla and frontal process of the maxilla laterally, with the cartilaginous dorsum positioned anterior to the bony nasal bridge. Midline orientation is clear. Surgeons and trainees return to this anatomy when planning functional rhinoplasty and septoplasty, because the upper lateral cartilage, septum, and nasal bones meet at the internal nasal valve, the narrowest segment of the nasal airway. Separation of the upper lateral cartilage from the septum during dorsal hump reduction can precipitate valve collapse and an inverted V deformity, so the relationship highlighted here supports teaching of spreader graft placement and preservation techniques. Fracture patterns across the nasal bones can also displace the upper lateral cartilage, explaining posttraumatic obstruction that persists despite a seemingly straight bony dorsum. Common use cases include ENT and facial plastics lectures on nasal valve mechanics, anatomy atlas plates illustrating osteocartilaginous junctions of the nose, and operative consent or patient education materials describing septorhinoplasty steps in plain anatomical terms. It also fits radiology and endoscopy teaching that correlates the external dorsum with the internal septum and valve region. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.