Nasal septum

The nasal septum separates the left and right airways in the nose, dividing the two nostrils.

It is depressed by the Depressor septi nasi muscle.

Composition
The fleshy external end of the nasal septum is sometimes also called columella.

The nasal septum is composed of three structures:
 * ethmoid bone
 * vomer bone
 * quadrangular cartilage

Clinical significance
The nasal septum can depart from the centreline of the nose; this condition is known as a deviated septum. Trauma, excessive nose-picking and cocaine usage can cause septum perforations, or holes developing in the septum.

An operation to the nasal septum is known as a septoplasty.