major alar cartilage

cartilago alaris major

The greater alar cartilage (lower lateral cartilage) is a thin, flexible plate, situated immediately below the preceding, and bent upon itself in such a manner as to form the medial wall and lateral wall of the naris of its own side. The portion which forms the medial wall (crus mediale) is loosely connected with the corresponding portion of the opposite cartilage, the two forming, together with the thickened integument and subjacent tissue, the septum mobile nasi. The part which forms the lateral wall (crus laterale) is curved to correspond with the ala of the nose; it is oval and flattened, narrow behind, where it is connected with the frontal process of the maxilla by a tough fibrous membrane, in which are found three or four small cartilaginous plates, the lesser alar cartilages (cartilagines alares minores; sesamoid cartilages). Above, it is connected by fibrous tissue to the lateral cartilage and front part of the cartilage of the septum; below, it falls short of the margin of the naris, the ala being completed by fatty and fibrous tissue covered by skin. In front, the greater alar cartilages are separated by a notch which corresponds with the apex of the nose.

Type Organ
Latin Name cartilago alaris major
FMA ID 59504

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the major alar cartilage?
The major alar cartilage (also called the greater alar cartilage or lower lateral cartilage) is a thin, flexible plate of cartilage located at the lower part of the external nose, below the lateral nasal cartilage. It forms the structural framework of the nostril.
What structures does the major alar cartilage form?
The major alar cartilage forms both the medial and lateral walls of the naris (nostril opening). Its medial crus forms the columella, and its lateral crus forms the lateral wall of the nostril, defining the shape of the nasal tip.
Where is the major alar cartilage located?
It is located at the inferior end of the external nose, below the lateral nasal cartilage. Each side of the nose has one major alar cartilage, and together they define the shape and configuration of the nostrils and nasal tip.
What is the function of the major alar cartilage?
The major alar cartilage provides structural support to the nasal tip and alar rims, maintaining the patency of the nostril opening during breathing. It also contributes to the aesthetic contour of the nasal tip.
What muscle attaches to the major alar cartilage?
The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle inserts in part into the greater alar cartilage, allowing it to dilate the nostril. Other nasal dilator muscles also act on the alar cartilage.

Related Structures

1st arch mandibular component ventral mandibular arch 1st arch mandibular ectoderm ectoderm of mandibular component 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme mandibular component mesenchyme 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme from head mesenchyme 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme from neural crest 1st arch maxillary component 1st arch maxillary ectoderm ectoderm of maxillary component 1st arch maxillary-mandibular cleft 1st arch maxillary-mandibular groove ectoderm

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Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.