The answer to whether there are bones in your nose is yes, but they form only a relatively small part of the structure. The nose is a complex facial feature built from a framework of rigid bone and flexible cartilage. This combination of components gives the nose its characteristic shape and enables functions like filtering and warming the air we breathe. The structure is designed to be stable at its core and pliable at its most vulnerable points.
The Bony Framework of the Nose
The bony framework forms the upper third of the external nasal structure, often called the bridge. This rigid support connects the nose directly to the skull. The primary bones involved are the paired nasal bones, which are small, oblong structures that meet in the midline of the face.
These nasal bones articulate with larger facial bones, including the frontal bone at the forehead and the maxillae (upper jaw). The bony section serves as an anchor point, providing a stable base for the entire nasal pyramid. This upper portion offers structural stability and helps protect the nasal cavity beneath the eyes.
The Cartilaginous Structure
The majority of the external nose, including the lower two-thirds, is composed of cartilage. This pliable material determines the shape of the lower bridge, the tip, and the nostrils. The cartilaginous framework consists of several distinct pieces, each maintaining the nose’s form.
The septal cartilage forms the front portion of the nasal septum, the wall that divides the nasal cavity into two passages. Flanking this central divider are the triangular lateral cartilages, which support the middle section of the nose. The bottom is shaped by the major alar cartilages, curved plates that define the flexible shape of the nostrils and the nasal tip. This arrangement allows the tip of the nose to be easily moved.
How Bones and Cartilage Work Together
The dual composition of the nose, featuring both bone and cartilage, is a functional necessity for breathing and protection. The bony framework at the top provides the necessary fixed support for the rest of the structure and the beginning of the airway. Conversely, the extensive cartilaginous section provides the flexibility needed to withstand minor impacts without fracturing.
If the entire nose were bone, it would be far more susceptible to severe breakage from everyday bumps and contact. When a person sustains a “broken nose,” the injury often involves the small, delicate nasal bones or the septal cartilage. The flexibility of the lower cartilage also maintains the opening of the nostrils during breathing. This ensures the airway remains open, allowing for the continuous flow of oxygen.