The anatomical and histological features of the area between the upper and lower lateral nasal cartilages: a pilot study

Objective: Nasal alar retraction deformities occasionally require both soft tissue release and large cartilage grafts. The structure between the upper lateral cartilage and the lateral crus of the lower lateral cartilage has been described as fibrous tissue, intercartilaginous ligament, ligament-like arrangement or connective tissue. Despite its importance, no anatomical and histological examination has been conducted on this structure. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the area between the upper and lower lateral cartilages by histological examination. Methods: Eleven hemi-facial human cadaver dissections were performed. Initially, the gross dissection of all specimens was conducted. The cutaneous-subcutaneous division of the skin was elevated and was removed. The upper and lower lateral cartilages were removed en bloc together with the area among these cartilages from six specimens and were divided from its midline. The obtained twelve specimens were fixed in formalin, processed and embedded in paraffin. 4 μm sections were obtained. Other five specimens were examined to outline under a stereomicroscope. This approach allowed free access to the structure extending from the area between the upper and lower lateral cartilages to the skin. The full-thickness biopsy was taken from the structure extending from the area between the upper and lower lateral cartilages to the skin. All specimens were fixed in formalin, processed and embedded in paraffin. 4 μm sections were obtained and prepared for microscopic examination. All the sections were stained with hematoxylin & eosin, Mowry’s colloidal iron, Verhoff’s elastic stain, and Masson’s trichrome stain for histological examination. The contents were determined. Results: A single dense longitudinal collagenous bundle between the cartilages and a structure extending from the area between the cartilages to the skin were found. Conclusion: The knowledge of this area in terms of anatomical and histological features will provide additional data for surgeons. © 2012 GESDAV