Anterior nasal

Anterior Nasal Spine

The anterior nasal spine is a bony projection in the skull that serves as a key anatomical landmark. It is located at the base of the nasal cavity, where the two maxillary bones meet. This structure is significant in both clinical practice and anthropological studies.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The anterior nasal spine is a sharp, bony projection located at the lower part of the nasal aperture. It is formed by the junction of the two maxillary bones, which make up the upper jaw and the majority of the hard palate. The spine projects forward from the midline of the face, pointing towards the nasal septum.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

In clinical practice, the anterior nasal spine is an important landmark for various surgical procedures involving the nasal cavity and the maxillofacial region. It is particularly significant in rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure to reshape the nose, and in orthognathic surgery, which corrects conditions related to the structure of the jaw and face.

Anthropological Significance[edit | edit source]

In the field of anthropology, the anterior nasal spine is used as a morphological marker to study human evolution and variation. The size and shape of the spine can vary greatly among different populations, providing valuable information about genetic diversity and migration patterns.