Nasal Bones vs. Sinuses: Nasal Bones Are Solid; Sinuses Are in Conchae/Turbinates

Nasal bones do not contain sinuses. They are paired rectangular bones forming the bridge of the nose.

Paranasal Sinuses Location

• Located in bones surrounding nasal cavity: maxillary, frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid.
• Ethmoid sinuses are within the ethmoid bone (between orbits), not nasal bones.
• Nasal conchae (turbinates) – scroll-shaped bones on lateral nasal wall – are part of ethmoid (superior/middle) or separate (inferior); they contain the ethmoid air cells.

Nasal Bone Function

• Structural support for nasal dorsum.
• Protection of nasal cavity.
• Attachment for cartilages, muscles.

Clinical Note

Nasal bone fracture = common facial fracture. Sinusitis = inflammation of paranasal sinuses, not nasal bones.