No, the nose is not 100% cartilage.
The nose has a complex structure made up of both bone and cartilage. While the nasal tip and the lower part of the nose are primarily composed of cartilage, the upper part is supported by bone.
Here's a breakdown:
-
Upper Part of the Nose: This area, closer to the forehead, is supported by the nasal bones and the frontal process of the maxilla (a bone in the upper jaw).
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Lower Part of the Nose (including the tip): This area is primarily composed of cartilage. The main cartilages in this region are:
- Lower Lateral Cartilages (LLC): These two cartilages (one on each side) form the shape and support of the nasal tip.
- Upper Lateral Cartilages: These cartilages lie beneath the nasal bones and are connected to the septum.
- Septal Cartilage: This cartilage forms the central divider of the nose (the nasal septum) and contributes to the overall structure.
In summary, while the nasal tip is almost entirely cartilage, the overall structure of the nose involves both bone and cartilage working together.
