Rhinoplasty Glossary 

If this glossary hasn't loaded into a smaller, separate window you may choose to do so by Clicking Here Now. This way you may keep the window open during your research and reflect back at any time for ease of reference.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A
accessory cartilages - Cartilages connecting the lateral ends of the lateral crura to the pyriform aperture edge.
acne rosacea - acne involving the skin of the nose, forehead, and cheeks that is common in middle age and characterized by congestion, flushing, telangiectasia, and marked nodular swelling of tissues esp. of the nose -- called also rosacea
adenoid - an abnormally enlarged mass of lymphoid tissue at the back of the pharynx characteristically obstructing the nasal and ear passages and inducing mouth breathing, a nasal voice, postnasal discharge, and dullness of facial expression 
ala - a wing or a winglike anatomic process or part; as in ALA NASI (below)
ala nasi - the expanded outer wall of cartilage on each side of the nose
alae (plural of ala) - The lateral wings. The rounded eminence that forms the lateral nostril wall that extends from the tip to join the upper lip.
alaeque - a muscle that arises from the nasal process of the maxilla, that passes downward and laterally, that divides into a part inserting into the alar cartilage and one inserting into the upper lip, and that dilates the nostril and raises the upper lip 
alar cartilage - one of the pair of lower lateral cartilages of the nose
alar groove - The external, oblique skin depression that follows the caudal margin of the lateral crus as it leaves the alar rim to run in a more cephalic direction. It separates the tip from the thickened portion of the ala that joins the face at the superior cheek-lip junction.
anatomic dome - The junction of the medial and lateral crus.
anosmia - loss or impairment of the sense of smell 
anterior - situated before or toward the front
anterior nasal spine - the nasal spine that is formed by the union of processes of the two premaxillae
anterior septal angle - Superior to lobule at the juncture of the dorsal and caudal cartilaginous septum.
aperture - an opening or open space such as the nostril
apex - the free angle of the external nose. (2) A narrowed or pointed end of an anatomical structure.
atrium - an anatomical cavity or passage

B
bulla (plural: bullae) - a hollow thin-walled rounded bony prominence 
buttress graft - a graft that that supports or strengthens
bony pyramid - The bony portion of the nose made up bilaterally of the nasal bone and frontal process of the maxilla
Bowman's gland - any of the tubular and often branched glands occurring beneath the olfactory epithelium of the nose -- called also gland of Bowman's, olfactory gland 
bridge (nasal) - the portion of the nose that is supported by the nasal bones.
hanging columella - is usually present in primary cases due to redundant medial crura, inferior projection of the septal cartilage but can also become a result of excessive removal of the lateral crural segments. In rare cases the hanging columella can be a result of excessive scarring. 

C
canthal - of, or having to do with the canthis; the upper bony part of the nose 
canthis - either of the angles formed by the meeting of the upper and lower eyelids - the corner of the eyes
cartilage crusher/press - a stainless steel surgical instrument that crushes graft cartilage into a thin sheet to make it soft and pliable for reimplantation.
cartilage splitting (intra-cartilagenous) incision - An incision extending medial to lateral through the lateral crus separating the lateral crus into a superior and inferior portion.
cartilaginous pyramid - the cartilage which sits on top of the bony pyramid.
caudal septum - The free (inferior) border of the septum.
caudal - Means same as inferior when referring to the nose.
cephalic - Means same as superior when referring to the nose; directed toward or situated on or in or near the head 
chonae - the pair of posterior apertures of the nasal cavity that open into the nasopharynx. called also posterior nares 
ciliary - (1) : of or relating to cilia (2) : of, relating to, or being the annular suspension of the lens of the eye 
ciliary ganglion - a small autonomic ganglion on the nasociliary branch of the ophthalmic nerve receiving preganglionic fibers from the oculomotor nerve and sending postganglionic fibers to the ciliary muscle and to the sphincter pupillae
clinical dome - The most anterior projecting portion of the lower lateral cartilage. The external projection of the dome is the tip defining point.
columella - The column at the base of the nose separating the nostrils (or columna)
columellar labial angle - Curved junction of the columella with the lip.
columellar lobular angle - The angle formed by the junction of the infra-tip lobule with the columella.
collumellar strut - a cartilage or synthetic graft that is approximately 5mm wide X 8-14mm long X 1-3mm thick that is implanted to support the tip.
columna - The column at the base of the nose separating the nostrils (or collumella)
concave - hollowed or rounded inward like the inside of a bowl
concha - 
convex - curved or rounded like the exterior of a sphere or circle
crura (plural of crus) - either of the diverging proximal ends
crus - either of the diverging proximal ends

D
dorsum (nasal)  - Where the lateral surfaces of the upper 2/3 of the nose join in the midline. Sometimes referred to as the dorsum nasi
dysosmia - dysfunction of the sense of smell 

E
epistaxis - nose bleed
epithelium - a membranous cellular tissue that covers a free surface or lines a tube or cavity of an animal body and serves esp. to enclose and protect the other parts of the body, to produce secretions and excretions, and to function in assimilation 
ethmoid - a light spongy cubical bone forming much of the walls of the nasal cavity and part of those of the orbits (called also ethmoidal bone)
ethmoidal air cells - the cavities in the lateral masses of the ethmoid bone that are partly completed by adjoining bones and communicate with the nasal cavity 
external nasal valve - External opening of the nostril.

F
floor - the lower inside surface of a hollow anatomical structure < ~ of the pelvis>
Frankfort Horizontal - (as in Frankfort Horizontal Line) - a plane used in craniometry that is determined by the highest point on the upper margin of the opening of each external auditory meatus (simple english: ear canal) and the low point on the lower margin of the left orbit and that is used to orient a human skull or head usu. so that the plane is horizontal -- called also Frankfort horizontal, Frankfort plane
frontal process - a long plate that is part of the maxillary bone and contributes to the formation of the lateral part of the nose and of the nasal cavity -- called also nasal process 
frontonasal - the frontal bone of the nose

G
glabella - (Latin for "hairless") the area in between the brows right directly above where the root of the nose touches the forehead; the smooth prominence between the eyebrows 
glabellar - of, or being of the glabella
glands of Bowman - any of the tubular and often branched glands occurring beneath the olfactory epithelium of the nose. Called also Bowman's gland, olfactory gland 

H
hemitransfixion incision - An incision through the vestibular skin on one side of the membranous septum.
hiatus semilunaris - a curved fissure in the nasal passages into which the frontal and maxillary sinuses open 
hyperosmia - extreme acuteness of the sense of smell 
hyposomia - impairment of the sense of smell 

I
inferior - situated lower down, bottom
inferior meatus - a space extending along the lateral wall of the nasal cavity between the inferior nasal concha and the floor of the nasal cavity --compare MIDDLE MEATUS, SUPERIOR MEATUS 
inferior nasal concha - lower nasal concha/turbinate
infracture - to move the nasal bones in, as to thin the nasal structure
infra-orbital rim - the rim situated beneath the orbit of the eye. the lower part of the bony eye socket rim.
infra-tip lobule - The portion of the lobule between the tip defining points and the columellar-lobular angle.
infundibulum - any of the small spaces having walls beset with air sacs in which the bronchial tubes terminate in the lungs 
integument - an enveloping layer (as a skin or membrane) of an organism or one of its parts (the skin of the nose)
inter - (combining form) among or between
intercanthal - among or between the canthus
inter-cartilaginous incision - An incision placed just on the lower lateral cartilage side of the junction of the upper lateral cartilage with the lateral crus of the lower lateral cartilage.
internal nasal valve - The area of the junction of the caudal edge of the upper lateral cartilage with the nasal septum.

J
Jacobson's organ - a slender canal in the nasal mucosa that ends in a blind pouch, has an olfactory function, and is rudimentary in adult humans, called also vomeronasal organ 
jugal bone - a bone of the side of the face below the eye that forms part of the zygomatic arch and part of the orbit and articulates with the temporal, sphenoid, and frontal bones and with the maxilla of the upper jaw --called also cheekbone, malar bone, zygoma 

K
keystone area - Junction of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid with the septal cartilage at the dorsum of the nose.

L
lateral - of or relating to the side
lesser alar cartilages - Small cartilages found in the lateral space between the upper and lower lateral cartilages. called also sesamoid cartilages
levator labii superioris alaeque nasi - a muscle that arises from the nasal process of the maxilla, that passes downward and laterally, that divides into a part inserting into the alar cartilage and one inserting into the upper lip, and that dilates the nostril and raises the upper lip 
limen vistibuli - Line of the vestibule, junction of vestibular skin with nasal mucosa, line of junction of the cephalic margin of the lateral crus of the lateral crus of the lower lateral cartilage with the caudal edge of the upper lateral cartilage.
lobule -  The lower part of the nose bounded by the anterior nostril edge postero-inferiorly, the supratip area superiorly and the alar grooves laterally.
lower lateral cartilages (LLC) - The paired inferior nasal cartilages consisting of the medial, middle, and lateral crura.

M
marginal infra-cartilaginous incision - An incision of varying length along the caudal border of the medial and lateral crura.
mandible - the lower jaw
mandibular - of, or being associated with the lower jaw
maxilla - the upper jaw 
meatus - a natural body passage : CANAL, DUCT, INBETWEEN
medial - being or occurring in the middle
menton - the chin, also called menta and mentum
middle meatus - a curved anteroposterior passage in each nasal cavity that is situated below the middle nasal concha and extends along the entire superior border of the inferior nasal concha --compare INFERIOR MEATUS, SUPERIOR MEATUS 
middle nasal concha - middle nasal concha/turbinate
mucosal - of or relatated 
mucous membrane - a membrane rich in mucous glands; specif : one that lines body passages and cavities which communicate directly or indirectly with the exterior (as the alimentary, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts), that functions in protection, support, nutrient absorption, and secretion of mucus, enzymes, and salts, and that consists of a deep vascular connective-tissue stroma and a superficial epithelium

N
nares - the pair of openings of the nose, nostril openings
nasal bone - either of two bones of the skull of vertebrates above the fishes that lie in front of the frontal bones and in humans are oblong in shape forming by their junction the bridge of the nose and partly covering the nasal cavity 
nasal cavity - the vaulted chamber that lies between the floor of the cranium and the roof of the mouth of higher vertebrates extending from the external nares to the pharynx, being enclosed by bone or cartilage and usu. incompletely divided into lateral halves by the septum of the nose, and having its walls lined with mucous membrane that is rich in venous plexuses and ciliated in the lower part which forms the beginning of the respiratory passage and warms and filters the inhaled air and that is modified as sensory epithelium in the upper olfactory part 
nasal concha -  any of three thin bony plates on the lateral wall of the nasal fossa on each side with or without their covering of mucous membrane. (a) a separate curved bony plate that is the largest of the three and separates the inferior and middle meatuses of the nose --called also inferior concha, inferior nasal concha, inferior turbinate, inferior turbinate bone. (b)  the lower of two thin bony processes of the ethmoid bone on the lateral wall of each nasal fossa that separates the superior and middle meatuses of the nose --called also middle concha, middle nasal concha, middle turbinate, middle turbinate bone.  (c) the upper of two thin bony processes of the ethmoid bone on the lateral wall of each nasal fossa that forms the upper boundary of the superior meatus of the nose --called also superior concha, superior nasal concha, superior turbinate, superior turbinate bone.  -- called also turbinates
nasal fossa - either lateral half of the nasal cavity
nasal length - from radix to tip (RT)
nasal lobule - The lower part of the nose bounded by the anterior nostril edge postero-inferiorly, the supratip area superiorly and the alar grooves laterally.
nasal notch - the rough surface on the anterior lower border of the frontal bone between the orbits which articulates with the nasal bones and the maxilla
nasal nerve - a branch of the ophthalmic nerve distributed in part to the ciliary ganglion and in part to the mucous membrane and skin of the nose --called also nasociliary nerve 
nasal process - a long plate that is part of the maxillary bone and contributes to the formation of the lateral part of the nose and of the nasal cavity -- called also frontal process 
nasal septum - the bony and cartilaginous partition between the nasal passages -- called also simply, septum when referring to the nose
nasal spine - any of several median bony processes adjacent to the nasal passages: as in:

• a : ANTERIOR NASAL SPINE

• b : POSTERIOR NASAL SPINE

nasociliary nerve - a branch of the ophthalmic nerve distributed in part to the ciliary ganglion and in part to the mucous membrane and skin of the nose --called also nasal nerve 
nasofrontal angle - Angle of demarcation between forehead and nasal dorsum, best seen in profile.
nasolabial - area of the cheek which lies next to lower portion of the nose. When we get older or are overweight we may see a fold in this area - especially when we smile. This is called a nasolabial fold.
nasolabial angle - The angle seen on lateral view formed by a line drawn through the most anterior to most posterior point of the nostril intersecting the vertical facial plane. The desired angle in males is 90- 95 degrees and 95-100 degrees in females.
nasopalatine nerve - a parasympathetic and sensory nerve that arises in the sphenopalatine ganglion, passes through the sphenopalatine foramen, across the roof of the nasal cavity to the nasal septum, and obliquely downward to and through the incisive canal, and innervates esp. the glands and mucosa of the nasal septum and the anterior part of the hard palate 
nasopharnyx - the upper part of the pharynx continuous with the nasal passages
nasus externus - latin for the external nose 
Natural Horizontal Facial Plane (NHFP) - A horizontal line extending through the lateral facial profile with the head in a normal relaxed position with the eyes looking straight ahead.
nose - a : the part of the face that bears the nostrils and covers the anterior part of the nasal cavity; broadly : this part together with the nasal cavity 

O
olfaction - 1 : the sense of smell  2 : the act or process of smelling 
olfactory - of, relating to, or connected with the sense of smell 
open roof - after infracture, the nasal bones may slip soon after or shift and fuse back together incorrectly. This can cause a groove or "open roof" deformity which can be easily seen and felt.

P
parosmia - a distortion of the sense of smell (as when affected with a cold) 
pinched tip - refers to the tip being too thin which can occur from improper technique and even nasal valve collapse due to lack of cartilaginous support or removal of scar tissue if revisionary.
pollybeak deformity - a nasal deformity caused by lack of support of the supratip
polyp - a projecting mass of swollen and hypertrophied or tumorous membrane, usually referring to the sinus cavity in otolaryngology
polypectomy - the surgical excision of a polyp 
polyposis - a condition characterized by the presence of numerous polyps 
posterior - situated behind: as (a) CAUDAL; (b) of the human body or its parts : DORSAL
posterior nares - the pair of posterior apertures of the nasal cavity that open into the nasopharynx -- called also the chonae
posterior nasal spine - the nasal spine that is formed by the union of processes of the two palatine bones 
pyramid (nasal) - (1) bony pyramid: The bony portion of the nose made up bilaterally of the nasal bone and frontal process of the maxilla.; Cartilaginous pyramid: the cartilage which sits on top of the bony pyramid.
pyriform apeture - The pear-shaped external bony opening of the nasal cavity. called also - piriform, piriformis

R
RT - radix to tip
radix - Areas of junction between the frontal bone and the dorsum of the nose.
rasp - (noun): a coarse file with cutting points instead of lines; (verb): to rub with something rough; specifically : to abrade with a rasp
rhin- (or rhino-) - (combining form) 1 a : nose <rhinitis> <rhinology> b : nose and <rhinotracheitis> 2 : nasal <rhinovirus>
rhinencephalon - the area of the brain which process scents/odor -- called also smell brain
rhinoplasty - plastic surgery on the nose usu. for cosmetic purposes --called also nose job 
rhinosporidiosis - a fungal disease of the external mucous membranes (as of the nose) that is characterized by the formation of pinkish red, friable, sessile, or pedunculated polyps and is caused by an ascomycetous fungus (Rhinosporidium seeberi) 
rim incision - An incision placed just within the vestibular edge of the rim of the nares.
rocker deformity - when a medial osteotomy produces a superior fracture at  the thickst part of the frontonasal junction
roof (nasal) - a covering structure of any of various parts of the body < ~ of the mouth; ~ of the skull>
root (nasal) - there the nose joins the forehead.
rosacea - acne involving the skin of the nose, forehead, and cheeks that is common in middle age and characterized by congestion, flushing, telangiectasia, and marked nodular swelling of tissues esp. of the nose -- called also acne rosacea

S
saddle back - a scooped look resulting from an overzealous osteotomy or rasping
saddle nose - a nose marked by depression of the bridge resulting from injury or disease; or as in the above appication
scroll area - The area of recurvature of the lateral crus of the lower lateral cartilage at its junction with the upper lateral cartilage.
sept- (or septo-; also septi-) - (combining form) septum <septal> <septoplasty>
septoplasty - surgical repair of the nasal septum 
septorhino -the surgical repair of the nasal septum with added cosmetic techniques as well
septum (nasal) - the bony and cartilaginous partition between the nasal passages  "Divides the nasal passage into two cavities. It consists of a bony (perpendicular plate of ethmoid, vomer and premaxillary crest), cartilaginous (quadrilateral) and membranous portion."
sesamoid cartilages - Small cartilages found in the lateral space between the upper and lower lateral cartilages. (lesser alar cartlages)
smell brain -  the area of the brain which process scents/odor -- called also rhinencephalon
soft triangle - The thin skin fold between the alar rim and the curved caudal border of the junction of the medial and lateral crura. When this is well defined it is referred to as a facet.
sphenoid sinus - either of two irregular cavities in the body of the sphenoid bone that communicate with the nasal cavities 
sphenoethmoidal recess - a small space between the sphenoid bone and the superior nasal concha into which the sphenoidal sinus opens 
stomion - the vertical area of the face that bisects the horizontal lips, it is the upper 1/2 of the area from subnasale (right under nose) to the menton (chin) (referred to in facial analysis)
subnasale - the area right under the nose
superior - situated higher up, top
superior nasal concha - the top nasal concha/turbinate
supracillary - 
supratarsal - 
supratip or supratip area - The area just superior to the nasal tip at the inferior aspect of the nasal dorsum.
sutures - (1) the name given to the small fissures in the skull (and other bones) where they are joined. They resemble fine cracks. (2) the material with which a wound is closed, also known as "stitches".

T
TP - tip to stomion
tip projection - The distance from the tip of the nose to the most posterior point of the nasal-cheek junction (the distance that the nose projects from the face).
tip defining points (TDP) - The most projecting area on each side of the tip which produces an external light reflex.
tip rotation - Movement of the tip cephalad or caudad from the fixed alar base.
tip - Apex of the lobule, but it is frequently used when referring to the lobule.
transcollumellar incisions ("open" or "external" technique) - An incision used for the external rhinoplasty approach, through the thin skin of the columella connecting the medial terminations of the marginal incisions.
transfixion incision - An incision in the membranous septum between the caudal border of the septal cartilage and the columella.
trichion - the area of the face where the frontal hairline is. Referred to in facial analysis.
turbinates - Three scrolls of bone (superior, middle, inferior) projecting from the lateral nasal wall that are covered if mucosal tissue and help moisten their nasal cavity, nostrils and the air you breathe.

U
upper lateral cartilages (ULC) - The paired superior nasal cartilages, triangular in shape extending laterally from the dorsal septum making up the lateral walls of the middle third of the nose.

V
vomer - a bone of the skull that in humans forms the posterior and inferior part of the nasal septum comprising a vertical plate pointed in front and expanding at the upper back part into lateral wings 
vomeronasal - of or relating to the vomer and the nasal region and esp. to Jacobson's organ or the vomeronasal cartilage 
vomeronasal cartilage - a narrow process of cartilage between the vomer and the cartilage of the nasal septum 
vomeronasal organ - a slender canal in the nasal mucosa that ends in a blind pouch, has an olfactory function, and is rudimentary in adult humans -- called also JACOBSON'S ORGAN
vertical facial plane (VFP) - A line perpendicular to the Natural Horizontal Facial Plane.
vestibule - any of various bodily cavities esp. when serving as or resembling an entrance to some other cavity or space
vibrissa (plural: vibrissae) - any of the stiff hairs growing within the nostrils that serve to impede the inhalation of foreign substances 

W
weak triangle (converse) - Area superior to paired domes where the cephalic margin of the lower lateral cartilages (LLC) separate to travel in a superio-lateral direction.

Z
zygoma - a bone of the side of the face below the eye that forms part of the zygomatic arch and part of the orbit and articulates with the temporal, sphenoid, and frontal bones and with the maxilla of the upper jaw --called also cheekbone, jugal, malar bone, zygomatic bone 
zygomatic bone - a bone of the side of the face below the eye that forms part of the zygomatic arch and part of the orbit and articulates with the temporal, sphenoid, and frontal bones and with the maxilla of the upper jaw --called also cheekbone, jugal, malar bone, zygoma 

References & Credits
Anatomy as Related to Rhinoplasty; Rod J. Rohrich, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Jack Gunter, M.D., F.A.C.S
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary
Graylab Online Medical Dictionary - UK
Anatomy of the Human Body, Henry Gray (1821–1865)
Online Version of Anatomy of the Human Body - Bartleby.com 

home | understanding the nose | researching the procedure | surgeon information
consultation information | surgery information | recovery information | miscellaneous information | about us

Are you lost? View Site Index