An evaluation on the morphology of the nasal bone, piriform aperture, and choana on dry skulls

Abstract

Introduction: Piriform aperture (PA) and nasal bone (NBs) are important structures that contribute to the formation of the nose. Both anatomic structures show differences based on ethnicity, gender, and age. Hence, it is widely used to determine sex in science branches such as anthropology and forensic medicine. Furthermore, morphometry of the PA and choana is an important criterion for physiological nasal respiration of individuals. Recognition of structural differences of PA, NB, and choana along with all this information becomes important during maxillofacial procedures to be performed especially in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The aim of the present study is to determine the individual differences in NBs, PA, and choana. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 83 Turkish dried skulls and PA, NBs, and choana was examined as morphometrically. PA was classified into seven types and NB was classified into eight subtypes. Results: The most common type of PA was found type 5 (20%–24.1%) and the least most common type of PA was type 7 (4%–4.8%). Type 1 was determined as the most common observed shape of the NB. The mean width of the choana on the right and left sides was found 13.21 ± 1.4 and 13.98 ± 1.81 mm, respectively. Moreover, the mean height of the choana on the right and left sides was found 25.56 ± 3.06 and 26.1 ± 2.5 mm, respectively. Discussion and Conclusion: We believe that obtained data from our study will constitute a morphometric data set and will be useful in a wide range of fields from forensic science to reconstructive surgery.