External nose
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Arterial supply
The RCEM expect candidates to know that the external nose receives arterial supply from branches of the maxillary and ophthalmic arteries.
There is some additional arterial supply to the septum and alar cartilage via branches of the facial artery (angular artery and lateral nasal artery) but this is beyond the expected knowledge of the syllabus.
Innervation
Sensory innervation to the external nose is from branches of the ophthalmic and maxillary divisions of the trigeminal nerve (V1 and V2). The diagrams and table below outline the distribution.
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Cutaneous sensation to the external nose is via the following
| Nerve | Origin | Area supplied |
|---|---|---|
| Infratrochlear nerve | Branch of nasociliary nerve. Ophthalmic branch of trigeminal (V1) | Bridge of the nose |
| External nasal branches of anterior ethmoidal nerve | Continuation of nasociliary nerve. Ophthalmic branch of trigeminal (V1) | Lateral superior sides of the nose to tip |
| Infraorbital nerve | Maxillary branch of trigeminal (V2) | Lateral lower half of nose including ala |
Image illustrating sensory peripheral nerve supply to face
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Images illustrating sensory territories of peripheral nerves supplying the face
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