Introduction The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) is one of the main arteries that supply both the nasal mucosa and the ethmoid sinuses. The AEA shows variability regarding its distance from adjacent structures. Several studies have developed techniques to identify the AEA. Objective This study aimed to compare the measurements from the AEA to the ethmoid bulla and to the frontal beak by using computed tomography of the face, while identifying their intraindividual and interindividual variations. Methods We analyzed 300 CT scans of the face performed at the CT scan Center at Hospital. The average age of subjects was 36 ± 15.1 years (range 4–84). Results We found that the average distance from the AEA to the ethmoid bulla was 17.2 ± 1.8 mm and the distance from the AEA to the frontal beak was 15.1 ± 2.2 mm. Regarding the average distance from the AEA to the frontal beak (AEA-frontal beak), there was a difference between the right and left sides, with the former being 0.4 mm higher on average than the latter. Among the age groups, there was a significant difference of distances between the AEA and the ethmoid bulla (AEA-ethmoid bulla), which were shorter in the ≤ 12 years group. There was a positive and significant correlation between both measurements analyzed, with low values (high) of AEA-ethmoid bulla distance corresponding to low values (high) of AEA-frontal beak distance. Conclusion The measurements obtained adds anatomical knowledge that can serve as a parameter in frontal and ethmoid sinus surgery.

Introduction: The nasal septal swell body is an area in the nasal septum located superior to the inferior turbinate, and anterior to the middle turbinate. It is closely associated with the internal nasal valve, in addition to being included among the expansile tissues of the anterior nose, which suggests that it significantly interferes with nasal airflow resistance. Objective: The present study aimed to histologically evaluate the composition of the septal mucosa in the septal body area, while comparing it with the posterior septal region, and to discover its role in nasal physiology. Methods: To perform the histological analysis, samples of the septal body mucosa and of the posterior septal mucosa of 20 patients were collected, and then the differences regarding cellular constitution, blood vessels (sinusoid and arterial) and connective tissue were outlined. Results: A larger number of venous sinusoids was noticed in the nasal septal body area, compared to the posterior septal mucosa, and less glandular-like tissue in the nasal septal body. Conclusion: The erectile tissue characteristic of the nasal septal body may play a role in the physiology of nasal obstruction, but new studies with different groups of patients are needed to define its actual role.