The internal nasal valve, the narrowest portion of the nasal airway, is bounded by which of the following structures?
- A Lower lateral cartilage, nasal septum, and nasal spine
- B Upper lateral cartilage, nasal septum, head of inferior turbinate, and nasal floor ✓
- C Middle turbinate, uncinate process, and ethmoid bulla
- D Agger nasi cell, frontal recess, and anterior ethmoid artery
Correct answer: B. Upper lateral cartilage, nasal septum, head of inferior turbinate, and nasal floor
Explanation
The internal nasal valve is the narrowest segment of the nasal airway and is bounded by the upper lateral cartilage, nasal septum, head of the inferior turbinate, and nasal floor. The normal angle between the septum and upper lateral cartilage is 10 to 15 degrees. Collapse here causes nasal obstruction and is addressed surgically with spreader grafts.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.