VOMER BONE ANATOMY

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

What is the vomer?

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

ARTICULATIONS

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What does the vomer articulate with?

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

SUPERIOR BORDER

Alae of Vomer

What are the alae of the 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 your skull

SURFACES

Vomerine Groove

What is the vomerine groove?

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

POSTERIOR BORDER

Vomerine Crest of Choana

What is the vomerine crest of choana?

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

ANTERIOR ASPECT

Cuneiform Part

What is the cuneiform part of the vomer?

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

FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

What is the functional significance of the vomer?

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