Final answer:
The nasal bones are two small bones that form the bony base of the nose and support the cartilages of the lateral walls. They are susceptible to damage in case of a broken nose. They articulate with the frontal bone and maxillary bones, contributing to the structure of the nose and nasal cavity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nasal bones are a pair of small bones that articulate with each other to form the bony base or bridge of the nose. They not only support the cartilages that form the lateral walls of the nose but are also prone to damage in case of a broken nose. The nasal bone articulates with the frontal bone superiorly and with the maxillary bones laterally.
The nasal bones, along with other facial bones, including maxilla, palatine, zygomatic, lacrimal, and inferior nasal conchae bones, contribute to the structure of the nose, nasal cavity, nasal septum, and orbit. The nasal bone is part of the nasal septum and helps form the dorsum nasi, while the conchae increase the surface area of the nasal cavity and disrupt the flow of air, allowing for cleaning and warming of the inhaled air.