Anatomy of the Ethmoid Bone and Nasal Structures

Crista galli is a vertical projection of the ethmoid bone that serves as an attachment point for the falx cerebri, a membrane that separates the two cerebral hemispheres.

Cribriform plate is a horizontal part of the ethmoid bone with tiny holes (olfactory foramina) that allow olfactory nerve fibers to pass from the nasal cavity to the brain.

Perpendicular plate is a thin, vertical bony plate forming the superior part of the nasal septum, dividing the nasal cavity into two halves.

Superior nasal concha is a thin, curved bony shelf on the ethmoid bone that helps increase the surface area of the nasal cavity for warming and humidifying air.

Middle nasal concha is a bony projection from the ethmoid bone located below the superior nasal concha, also aiding in air filtration and humidification.

Olfactory foramina are small openings in the cribriform plate that allow olfactory nerve fibers to pass from the nasal cavity to the olfactory bulbs in the brain.