Nasal bone Facts for Kids

The nasal bones are shown in the center of this diagram in dark green.

The nasal bones are two small, flat bones found in the human skull. They are shaped a bit like a rectangle. These bones are located side by side in the middle of your face, right at the top of your nose. Together, they form the "bridge" of your nose. The size and shape of these bones can be a little different from person to person.

What Are Nasal Bones?
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What Are Nasal Bones?

Your nasal bones are a pair of small, strong bones. They are part of your skull, which is the bony framework of your head. Even though they are small, they play a big role in how your nose looks and works. They are connected to other bones around them, like the frontal bone (your forehead bone) and the maxilla (your upper jaw bone).

Where Are They Located?

The nasal bones are found right between your eyes, at the very top of your nose. Imagine drawing a line from one eye to the other, and then another line down the middle of your face. Where those lines meet, that's generally where your nasal bones begin. They extend downwards, forming the hard, bony part of your nose. Below these bones, the rest of your nose is made of cartilage, which is a softer, bendier material.

What Do Nasal Bones Do?

The main job of your nasal bones is to form the bony part of your nose. This provides a strong structure for the rest of your nose. They also help protect the delicate parts inside your nasal cavity. This includes the areas where you breathe and smell. Think of them as a shield for the upper part of your nose.

Supporting Your Nose

These bones give shape and support to the upper part of your nose. Without them, your nose would not have its distinct shape. They also provide a place for muscles and other tissues to attach. This helps with facial expressions and how your nose moves.

Protecting Your Airways

Inside your nose are important passages for air. The nasal bones help protect these airways from injury. They act like a strong roof over the nasal cavity. This helps keep dust, dirt, and other small particles out of your lungs.

How Do Nasal Bones Develop?

Like all bones, nasal bones grow and change as you get older. They start as soft tissue and slowly harden into bone. This process is called ossification. By the time you are a teenager, your nasal bones are fully formed. Their final shape contributes to your unique facial features.

Common Injuries to Nasal Bones

Because they stick out from your face, nasal bones can sometimes get injured. A common injury is a broken nose. This can happen from falls, sports accidents, or other impacts to the face. When a nasal bone breaks, it can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes a change in the shape of the nose. Doctors can usually fix a broken nose. They might need to gently put the bones back into place.