Septal cartilage is a structure in the nose that separates the left and right nasal cavities. The spelling of this word follows IPA phonetic transcription, which is a system that uses symbols to represent each sound in spoken language. "Septal" is spelled as /ˈsɛptəl/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "a" pronounced like the "a" in "cat". "Cartilage" is spelled as /ˈkɑːtɪlɪdʒ/, with the stress on the second syllable and the "a" pronounced like the "a" in "father".
Septal cartilage is a type of flexible, thin, and hyaline cartilage located in the nasal region that separates the left and right nasal cavities. It is primarily responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and shape of the nasal septum, which serves as a partition between the nostrils.
This specialized cartilage is situated between the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and the vomer bone, forming the anterior portion of the septum. It extends from the nasal bridge towards the nasal floor, creating a sturdy yet pliable support structure. The septal cartilage exhibits a particular shape, which often reflects an overall triangular configuration.
Due to its location, the septal cartilage assists in maintaining proper airflow and preventing obstruction within the nasal cavity. It helps regulate the flow of air by creating a clear pathway between the nostrils, promoting efficient respiration. The flexibility of the septal cartilage enables it to adapt to changes in air pressure during breathing.
Notably, the septal cartilage can sometimes become damaged or displaced, leading to conditions such as a deviated septum. In cases where surgical interventions are required, septal cartilage may be harvested and utilized to repair or reconstruct other areas of the body, including the nose itself or other cartilaginous structures. Its versatility and resilence make septal cartilage a vital component in maintaining nasal function and maintaining facial aesthetics.
The c. completing the nasal septum anterior to the vomer.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "septal" comes from the Latin word "septum", which means "a partition" or "a fence". It is derived from the verb "sēparāre", meaning "to separate".
The term "cartilage" has its roots in the Latin word "cartilago", which refers to a kind of flexible and fibrous connective tissue found in various parts of the body.
Therefore, "septal cartilage" refers to the flexible and fibrous connective tissue that forms the partition or wall within the nasal cavity, known as the nasal septum.