Structure
The major alar cartilages are one of three paired plates of cartilage forming the lateral, cartilaginous skeleton of the external nose. It is a plate of cartilage that forms the inferior and anterior framework of the lateral wall of the external nose. It sharply recurs at its anterior-most extent to contribute to the septum. This portion is called the medial crus or septal process. In this way, it forms the anterior lateral and anterior medial borders of the nares, notably the tip of the external nose. The cartilage plate is thin and flexible, giving mobility to the external nose.
Related parts of the anatomy
Anatomical Relations
The superior margin is attached by fibrous tissue to the inferior margin of the lateral nasal cartilage, and posteriorly to three or four minor alar cartilages to complete the framework of the lateral wall of the external nose. Inferior to the major alar cartilage is flexible fibrofatty tissue that forms the posteroinferior wall of the external nose, including the lateral and posterior nares.
Function
The major alar cartilages maintain patency of the nostrils.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Rhinoplasty
