SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE NOSE. 27 



The mucous membrane lining the nostrils is continu- 

 ous with the skin and that of the nasal fossse. 



The nasal cartilages, forming the softer portion of its 

 framework, are five in number viz., two upper lateral, 

 and two lower lateral and the cartilage of the septum. 



Each upper lateral cartilage is flattened and triangular 

 in shape. Its anterior margin articulates with the car- 

 tilage of the septum. The posterior edge articulates with 

 the nasal process of the superior maxillary and nasal 

 bones. The lower edge is connected by fibrous tissue 

 with the lower lateral cartilage. 



The alar or lower lateral cartilages are two in number, 

 and completely separate. They are of the form of a 

 horseshoe, with the concavity posterior, and with the 

 external limb longer than the internal. The convexity 

 of these two cartilages is situated in the thickness of the 

 lobe, on each side of the anterior inferior angle of the 

 cartilage of the septum. The inner limb of this carti- 

 lage has its back against that of the opposite side and to 

 the cartilage of the septum in the median line. 



There are three or four small cartilaginous plates, 

 situated in the tough membrane connecting the lower 

 lateral (alar) cartilage with the nasal process of the 

 superior maxilla the sesamoid. 



The alse of each side are further composed of masses 

 of cellular tissue placed below and behind the alar car- 

 tilages. 



The bony framework is formed by the nasal bones, to 

 which the external nose owes its form in a great measure ; 

 their method of articulation with the frontal and superior 

 maxillary greatly determining its shape and dimensions. 



These two oblong bones form by their junction along 

 the middle line in front the " bridge " of the nose ; they 



