Dismiss Modal

Definition

Understanding Nasal Anatomy: Outside View

Choose a preferred language

Why does your nose look the way it does? And what goes on inside a nose to let a person breathe easily? Learning the anatomy of the nose can help you better understand the answers to these questions.


The outside view

One way to tell if a nose fits well with a face (aesthetics) is to divide the face into 3 equal parts (thirds). The nose should fit in the middle third. Then, thinking of the nose as a triangle can help you see the best size and shape for the nose.

  • From the front. Imagine a triangle starting at the top of your nose and extending to the outer corners of your mouth. Does your nose fit inside that triangle? The nose itself should also be shaped like a triangle. It should balance with the length and width of your face.

  • From the side. Imagine a triangle with 1 side going along the bridge of the nose and another going out from the base of the nose. Does your nose fit within this triangle? The tilt of the tip should also balance with the forehead and chin.

  • From beneath. The nostrils and tip of the nose should also form a triangle.

Front, side, and lower view of head showing nose cartilage in relation to facial proportions.

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find a doctor that's right for you.

From routine check-ups to groundbreaking treatments and beyond, Crestner Health is here to help you live your healthiest life.

Search our doctors
Related Articles
Read article
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Understanding Dizziness, Balance Problems, and Fainting

When the brain receives conflicting signals, or when there is a problem with blood flow, dizziness or fainting can happen.

Read article
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Rhinitis

Rhinitis is when a reaction occurs that causes a stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Most types of rhinitis are caused by inflammation. Here's what you need to know.

Read article
Infectious Diseases
Tonsillitis (Strep Throat)

An infection around the tonsils is generally caused by the streptococcus bacteria. The infection can cause severe sore throat, pain with swallowing, swollen glands, and fever.

Read article
Ear, Nose, and Throat
The Middle Ear

The middle ear is an air-filled chamber that lies behind the eardrum. Pressure in the middle ear changes to match air pressure outside of the eardrum. When inside and outside pressures are balanced, the eardrum is flexible and normal hearing is more likely. Problems happen when air pressure in the middle ear drops. This is often due to a block in the eustachian (u-STA-shun) tube, the narrow channel connecting the ear with the back of the throat.