Lateral nasal artery: blood supply of the nostril wing
- Artery
Quick facts
- Origin
- Branch of the facial artery, usually at the level of the nasal ala, where it continues as the angular artery.
- Course
- Runs just above the alar groove toward the tip, in a superficial plane.
- Territory
- Nasal ala and the lateral part of the tip.
- Communications
- With the dorsal nasal artery, the columellar artery and the artery of the opposite side.
- Relevance in facial harmonization
- Main source of blood supply to the ala; a vessel to know in the nose and at the base of the nasolabial fold.
The lateral nasal artery is a branch of the facial artery that arises at the level of the nasal ala and runs just above the alar groove, toward the tip. It is the main source of blood supply to the ala and takes part in the network that supplies the tip, alongside the columellar arteries and the dorsal nasal artery. In facial harmonization (known in Brazil as HOF, orofacial harmonization), it is a vessel to know for anyone studying nonsurgical rhinoplasty and the base of the nasolabial fold.
Where does it come from and what is its course?
| Segment | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Origin | Facial artery, beside the nasal ala, where it continues as the angular artery |
| Nasal ala | Runs a few millimeters above the alar groove, in a superficial plane |
| Tip | Branches and joins the network of the tip |
| Communications | Dorsal nasal artery, columellar arteries and the lateral nasal artery of the opposite side |
Variations are common. In some people, the facial artery ends in the lateral nasal artery itself, with no dominant angular artery; in others, the lateral nasal artery arises from the angular artery or is doubled. For this reason the course described works as a general map, not as a guarantee of position.
Why does it matter in facial harmonization?
- Blood supply of the ala and tip: the nasal ala has skin attached to cartilage and little vascular reserve. Ischemia in this area can progress to necrosis of the ala, with a risk of deformity.
- Link to the eye: through the dorsal nasal artery, the lateral nasal network communicates with the ophthalmic artery. This is the anatomical basis for the risk of visual complications in procedures on the nose and at the base of the fold.
- Base of the nasolabial fold: the origin of the lateral nasal artery lies next to the ala, an area where the facial artery is most superficial and where the nasolabial fold ends.
How does it show up in the assessment?
- History of rhinoplasty: open surgery interrupts the columellar arteries and leaves the tip more dependent on the lateral nasal arteries.
- Skin color and thickness of the ala and tip.
- Previous procedures on the nose and the nasolabial fold.
- Visible vessels on the ala in thin skin or skin with telangiectasias.
Recognition and management of the complication are covered in nasal vascular occlusion.
Also called: lateral nasal artery of the face, lateral nasal branch of the facial artery.
Frequently asked questions
What does the lateral nasal artery supply?
It mainly supplies the nasal ala and takes part in supplying the tip, together with the columellar arteries and the dorsal nasal artery. It is considered one of the main sources of blood to the tip, especially after open rhinoplasty.
Where is the lateral nasal artery located?
It arises from the facial artery beside the nasal ala and runs just above the groove that separates the ala from the cheek and the rest of the nose, toward the tip. Its position varies between people and between sides.