The nasal septum is the dividing wall between the two sides of the nasal cavity. It begins at the nostrils and extends deep into the face, separating the left and right airways. The septum is more than a simple partition; it is a complex anatomical feature that plays a role in both the mechanics of breathing and the structural integrity of the nose. Understanding this internal wall is important for overall respiratory health.
Anatomy and Composition
The septum is a composite structure, built from a combination of bone and cartilage, which provides both rigidity and flexibility. The anterior portion, closer to the tip of the nose, is formed primarily by the quadrangular cartilage, a flexible, four-sided plate that gives the front of the nose its shape. This cartilaginous section allows the nose to move and recover from minor impacts.
The posterior part of the septum is made up of two distinct bones. The upper, deeper section is formed by the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, a thin, flat bone that extends down from the skull base. Below this, the vomer bone forms the lower, rear edge of the partition.
This entire bone and cartilage framework is covered on both sides by a mucosal lining that is continuous with the rest of the nasal passages. This soft tissue covering is rich in blood vessels and mucous-secreting glands. The structure is normally centered, extending from the bottom of the nasal cavity to the top, creating two separate air channels.
Essential Functions in Respiration
The primary purpose of the nasal septum is to ensure that inspired air is properly conditioned before it reaches the lungs. By dividing the nasal cavity, the septum helps to direct the flow of air into smooth, parallel streams, known as laminar airflow. This streamlined movement is more efficient than turbulent flow, which would increase resistance and require more effort to breathe.
The mucosal lining covering the septum and the nasal turbinates works to warm and humidify the incoming air. The rich blood supply allows heat to be transferred to the air, raising its temperature to nearly body temperature. Moisture from the mucus blanket evaporates into the air, ensuring it is highly saturated with humidity, which protects the delicate tissues of the lower respiratory tract.
The septum also provides structural support, maintaining the shape of the external nose and keeping the nasal passages open. This structural role is complemented by its part in defense, as the mucosal lining traps airborne particles, dust, and pathogens.
Common Structural Abnormalities
A common issue affecting the septum is a deviation, where the wall is displaced from the center line, often leaning significantly toward one side. This condition can be present from birth, developing as the facial bones grow, or it can be the result of trauma, such as a sports injury or a fall. A severely deviated septum narrows one nasal passage, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing, chronic congestion, snoring, and frequent nosebleeds due to drying air currents.
Another acute problem is a septal hematoma, a collection of blood that forms beneath the mucosal lining, typically following a significant impact or injury. This pooling of blood can cause painful swelling and nasal blockage. If a hematoma is not promptly drained, it can lead to a septal abscess or, more seriously, cause the cartilage to lose its blood supply and weaken, potentially resulting in a collapse of the nose, known as a saddle nose deformity.
A full-thickness defect is called a septal perforation, which can be caused by repeated trauma, chronic nose-picking, overuse of certain nasal sprays, or prior nasal surgery. While some small perforations may cause no symptoms, others can lead to crusting, bleeding, or a whistling sound as air passes through. When chronic issues arise from these abnormalities, a surgical procedure called septoplasty is often performed to straighten or repair the septum and restore proper airflow.
Considerations for Septum Piercings
A septum piercing involves placing jewelry through the dividing wall of the nose for aesthetic reasons. The success and comfort of this piercing depend on avoiding the hard cartilage that makes up the majority of the septum. A professional piercer aims for a specific area known as the “sweet spot.”
This sweet spot is a thin, flexible area of tissue, sometimes called the columella or membranous septum, located just below the cartilage and near the tip of the nose. Piercing through this soft tissue is less painful and promotes a faster healing process compared to piercing the thick, structural cartilage. If the hard cartilage is pierced, the healing time can be substantially longer, sometimes taking up to a year.
Like any body modification, a septum piercing carries risks, including infection, which requires diligent aftercare using saline solutions. If a person has a pre-existing condition like a deviated septum, the piercing may not sit perfectly centered. Choosing a skilled professional who can accurately locate the ideal placement is important to minimize complications and ensure proper healing.