Skull · Flat bone

Vomer

The vomer is a thin, flat bone that forms the lower part of the nasal septum — the wall dividing the two nostrils.

RegionSkull
TypeFlat bone
Number in body1

What it is

The vomer is a single, thin, plough-shaped bone in the midline of the nose.

Where it is

The midline of the nasal cavity, forming the lower part of the septum.

What it does

Forms the bony part of the nasal septum, helping divide the nose into two passages.

When things go wrong

Common injuries and conditions

  • Deviated septum (often involves the cartilage and vomer)

Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms; it is not a diagnosis. A severe injury, a visibly deformed limb, or the inability to move or bear weight needs urgent assessment — call 999 or go to A&E for a serious injury.

Did you know?

An interesting fact

The name "vomer" comes from the Latin for "ploughshare", which its shape resembles.

Answers

Vomer: frequently asked questions

What is the vomer?

The vomer is a thin flat bone forming the lower part of the nasal septum, the wall between the two nostrils.

Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — Anatomy and body systems
  • Gray's Anatomy for Students (Drake, Vogl, Mitchell)
  • TeachMeAnatomy — skeletal system

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