During rhinoplasty, the nasal bones are infractured. The nasociliary nerve, which provides sensory innervation to the external nose, exits the nasal cavity at which anatomical landmark?

• A At the nasofrontal suture line
• B Between the upper lateral cartilage and the nasal bone at the internal nasal valve
• C At the junction of the nasal bone and upper lateral cartilage (rhinion) ✓
• D Between the nasal bone and the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid

Explanation

The external nasal nerve, a terminal branch of the nasociliary nerve (V1), exits between the nasal bone and the upper lateral cartilage at the rhinion to supply the skin of the dorsum and tip of the nose. This is the landmark at which the nerve is at risk during lateral osteotomies. The nasofrontal suture is too superior, and the perpendicular plate is too posterior.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.