What is the vomer bone and what does it do?

The vomer is a thin, quadrilateral bone that forms the posteroinferior part of the nasal septum. It sits in the midline of the nasal cavity and helps separate the two nasal passages.

Which bones does the vomer articulate with?

The vomer articulates with several surrounding bones including the sphenoid bone at its superior border, the ethmoid bone and septal cartilage at its anterior border, and the maxillae and palatine bones at its inferior border.

What are the clinical implications of vomer fractures?

The vomer is involved in all three Le Fort fractures of the midface. Due to its thin structure, a transverse fracture from direct trauma can cause a deviated nasal septum (DNS).

What structures pass along the vomer's surfaces?

Each lateral surface of the vomer has a shallow anteroinferior groove that transmits the nasopalatine nerve and vessels. These surfaces are smooth and covered by nasal mucosa.

How does the vomer contribute to the nasal septum?

The vomer forms the posteroinferior portion of the nasal septum. Its anterior border articulates with the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid and septal cartilage, while its posterior border separates the two posterior nasal apertures (choanae).

Vomer – Nasal Septum Bone Anatomy

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the vomer bone and what does it do?

Which bones does the vomer articulate with?

What are the clinical implications of vomer fractures?

What structures pass along the vomer's surfaces?

How does the vomer contribute to the nasal septum?