Liz is a medical writer and illustrator with an MSc in Medical Art and a BA in Medical Illustration focusing on pre-medical sciences. She has worked with healthcare professionals and educators globally creating anatomically accurate learning materials.
The Nose
The human nose is the prominent structure found in the centre of your face just below the eyes. It allows us to smell and can even change the sound of our voices. Most importantly, the nose is a part of our respiratory system and it helps us breathe in air.
Anatomy Charts to Support Learning
To support your study of nasal anatomy, our range of high-quality anatomical posters and charts feature clear, medically accurate illustrations. These are ideal for medical students, lecturers, or healthcare professionals who need a visual aid to enhance retention and understanding of complex nasal structures. Whether you're revising at home or teaching in a clinical setting, these posters make learning anatomy more accessible and engaging.
External Nose Anatomy
The skin stretches over the external most part of the nose which has several landmarks. The superior most part of the nose, found in the space between the eyebrows is called the glabella. Moving further down is the nasion. This is commonly known as the bridge of your nose and this is where your spectacles typically sit. Moving down again, you have the rhinion, where the cartilage and bone that make up your nose meet. Just below the tip of the nose you will find your nares (also known as the nostrils) which allow you to breathe in air. They are surrounded bilaterally by the alae, the lateral boundaries of the nose. The most inferior part of the nose is called the apex.
Beneath the skin lies the skeletal structure of the nose which consists of bone and cartilage. The superior most part of the nose is made up of the paired nasal bones, maxillary and palatine bones as well as the ethmoid and vomer bones. The cartilage that makes up your nose is called the septal cartilage, lateral cartilage and the major and minor alar cartilage.
Explore Nose Anatomy Models
Our detailed anatomical nose models provide a hands-on, three-dimensional understanding of the internal and external structures of the nose. Designed for teaching and self-directed study, these models highlight key anatomical features such as the nasal conchae, septum, sinuses, and associated cartilage. They are excellent tools for educators, ENT specialists, and learners seeking to visualise nasal function and form with clarity and precision.
Internal Nose Anatomy
The nose leads to a network of air-filled openings called the paranasal sinuses. The sinuses have several responsibilities including lightening the weight of our head, humidifying inhaled air, and supporting immune defences. The four pairs are named after the bones they are in: the, frontal sinuses, maxillary sinuses, ethmoidal sinuses and sphenoid sinuses.
The nasal cavities are broken into three divisions: the vestibule, respiratory region and the olfactory region. The cavities are filled with several curved walls called the inferior, middle and superior conchae (also known as turbinates).
There are several muscles that make up the nose. The muscles include the procerus, nasalis muscle (compressor naris and dilator naris), depressor alae, levator labii superior alaeque nasi and the depressor septi nasi. Each of these muscles are involved with breathing and facial expressions.
How do we use our Nose to Breathe?
The nose is the only externally visible part of your respiratory system and it acts as the gateway to your lungs. Air is brought in through your nares (nostrils) and enters the nasal cavity where it is warmed and moistened before travelling down the trachea and into your lungs.
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Sense of Smell - the Olfactory System
The nose is the key player in the olfactory system (also known as sense of smell).
Odours from microscopic molecules in our environment bind to the olfactory receptor (also known as the smell receptor) which send signals to you brain. Smell plays a role in taste; you may have noticed that when you are sick and your nose is blocked up that you are not able to taste your food as well. The sense of smell also helps us detect hazards, such as smelling harmful chemicals.
Visual Aids to better Understand Anatomy
Understanding anatomy can be far more effective with high quality visual tools. Our range of anatomical models, posters and revision guides guides allow students and professionals to deepen their understanding through visual and tactile learning. Whether you're preparing for an exam, teaching a class, or working in a clinical setting, our resources provide a practical and engaging way to study human anatomy.
