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3D OSTEOLOGY
3D VISCEROCRANIUM

VOMER BONE ANATOMY

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
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Vomer bone anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing x-ray visualization of nasal septum position, alae of vomer, and articulations
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • Thin unpaired bone located in the midsagittal plane
  • Constitutes the inferior portion of the nasal septum
  • Functions to divide left and right nasal passages
  • Essential for nasal cavity structure and function

ARTICULATIONS

Vomer bone disarticulated 360-degree viewer showing isolated bone with articulation surfaces for sphenoid, maxillae, palatine, and ethmoid bones
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Vomer Bone - Disarticulated View, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Connects with multiple cranial and facial bones:
    • Sphenoid bone
    • Paired maxillae
    • Paired palatine bones
    • Ethmoid bone

SUPERIOR BORDER

Alae of Vomer

  • Bilateral wing-like extensions from the superior margin
  • Project laterally from the superior margin
  • Articulate with sphenoid bone:
    • Via vaginal processes of medial pterygoid plates
  • Articulate with palatine bones:
    • Via sphenoidal processes
  • Anchor the vomer securely within the skull

SURFACES

Vomerine groove on the vomer bone showing oblique indentation for blood vessels and nerves supplying the nasal septum
Vomerine Groove, Preview from the app. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Sourced from 3D OSTEOLOGY.

Vomerine Groove

  • Oblique indentation on the bone surface
  • Provides passage for blood vessels
  • Accommodates nerves supplying the nasal septum

POSTERIOR BORDER

Vomerine Crest of Choana

  • Posterior margin feature of the vomer
  • Contributes to formation of the choanae
  • Choanae serve as openings between nasal cavity and nasopharynx

ANTERIOR ASPECT

Cuneiform Part

  • Wedge-shaped anterior portion
  • Articulates with perpendicular plate of ethmoid bone
  • Connects with septal cartilage
  • Completes the nasal septum

FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

  • Ensures proper separation of nasal passages
  • Critical for efficient airflow
  • Important for olfactory function

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

QUICK FACTS: VOMER

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: Where is the vomer bone located?

Answer: In the nasal cavity, forming part of the nasal septum. The vomer bone is located in the nasal cavity where it forms the inferior and posterior portion of the nasal septum, dividing the left and right nasal passages.

Q: What is the vomer bone?

Answer: An unpaired thin bone forming part of the nasal septum. The vomer is a thin, unpaired facial bone that forms the inferior and posterior portion of the nasal septum. It is situated in the midsagittal plane of the skull.

Q: Is the vomer the same as the nasal septum?

Answer: No, the vomer forms only part of the nasal septum along with other structures. The vomer forms only the inferior portion of the bony nasal septum. The complete nasal septum is also formed by the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone superiorly and the septal cartilage anteriorly.

Q: Is the vomer part of the ethmoid bone?

Answer: No, the vomer is a separate bone that articulates with the ethmoid. The vomer is a completely separate bone from the ethmoid. However, the vomer articulates with the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone at its superior aspect to form the nasal septum.

Q: What is the difference between the vomer and the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid?

Answer: The vomer forms the inferior septum; the perpendicular plate forms the superior septum. The vomer forms the inferior and posterior part of the bony nasal septum, while the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone forms the superior portion. Together they create the complete bony nasal septum.

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