Root of the Nose, Lateral View

Description

Seen in lateral profile, the nasal radix (root of the nose) sits at the junction of the frontal bone and paired nasal bones, just inferior to the glabella and superior to the nasal dorsum (bridge). From this point, the bony dorsum slopes anteriorly toward the osteocartilaginous junction before continuing as the cartilaginous dorsum to the nasal tip. Superiorly and posteriorly, the radix relates to the nasion region, while the anterior orbital margin and soft tissues of the upper eyelid lie immediately posterolateral in the same field of view. A small area of eyelid cosmetic coloration is present, but the anatomic landmarks remain clear. Radix position and contour drive dorsal nasal aesthetics and the planning of rhinoplasty, especially when addressing a low radix, dorsal hump, or apparent bridge flattening on profile analysis. Small changes at the nasion can change the perceived projection of the tip and the apparent length of the nose, and they influence how the nose balances with the forehead and upper lip in preoperative photo documentation. It is also a key surface landmark when correlating external anatomy with underlying bone and upper lateral cartilage during dorsal augmentation or reduction. A sensitive landmark. Use this illustration for facial anatomy teaching (surface anatomy and craniofacial landmarks), for rhinoplasty and facial plastic surgery publications discussing radix height and dorsal lines, or for patient-facing educational materials where profile terminology like radix, bridge, and dorsum must be anatomically correct and representative of a Black female subject. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.