The nasal vestibule is the slightly widened entrance of each nasal cavity, just inside the nostril. Unlike the rest of the nose, it is lined by skin with coarse hairs (vibrissae), sweat glands and sebaceous glands. A curved ridge called the limen nasi marks where it ends and the nasal cavity proper begins.
| Location | Anterior part of each nasal cavity, enclosed by the alar cartilages, between the nostril and the limen nasi. |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | External nasal nerve (ophthalmic division of trigeminal); Infraorbital nerve (maxillary division of trigeminal) |
| Blood Supply | Facial artery (superior labial and lateral nasal branches) |
| Venous drainage | |
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Filters large particles from inspired air and directs airflow into the nasal cavity. The adjacent nasal valve area is the narrowest part of the nasal airway and accounts for much of nasal airflow resistance.
Infections of hair follicles here can spread through facial and ophthalmic veins towards the cavernous sinus, which is why the area is part of the facial 'danger triangle'. Collapse of the nasal valve on breathing in can cause nasal obstruction during exercise, and external nasal dilator strips work by opening this region.
Infection of the hair follicles and skin of the vestibule, often by Staphylococcus aureus. It causes painful crusting and swelling at the nostril.
A boil in the vestibule. Rarely, infection spreads to the cavernous sinus, so squeezing is discouraged.
Inward collapse of the lateral nasal wall on inspiration, often after trauma or surgery. It causes obstruction, especially during heavy breathing.
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