Corpus: Greater alar cartilage
Synonym: lower lateral cartilage
1. Definition
The greater alar cartilage is a hyaline cartilage of the nose that immediately adjoins the lateral nasal cartilage caudally. It forms the lateral and medial wall of the nostrils.
2. Anatomy
The greater alar cartilage is a thin, flexible cartilage plate that is strongly curved in the center. A distinction is made between 2 sections or "crura":
- Medial wall: medial crus
- Lateral wall: lateral crus
The medial crus is loosely connected to the corresponding section of the greater alar cartilage on the opposite side. It constitutes together with the skin and subcutaneous tissue the nasal bridge, i.e. the lowest, freely movable part of the nasal septum.
The lateral crus is oval and flat, constituting the static basis for the shape of the nostrils. Posteriorly, it is connected to the frontal process of the maxialla by a fibrous band. This membrane often contains 3-4 smaller pieces of cartilage, known as the lesser alar cartilages (sesamoid cartilage).