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A persistent urban legend states that hitting someone in the nose will "break off the nose bones" and cause the bones to enter the person's brain. a What are the actual "nose bones"? Given their anatomy, is it likely they could enter the brain if a person were struck in the nose? b A different version of the urban legend states that the bone forming the roof of the nasal cavity can enter the brain if struck. Although this is untrue, this bone may crack due to head trauma. What is this bone on the roof of the nasal cavity? Why might a crack in it cause problems in the cranial cavity?

User Greg Bacon
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Final answer:

The 'nose bones' are the nasal bones that form the bridge of the nose; they cannot enter the brain upon impact. The ethmoid bone forms the roof of the nasal cavity and any fracture here may lead to complications but it will not enter the brain. These structures are part of the skull's protection against brain injury, and fractures should be assessed by medical professionals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The actual nose bones referred to are the nasal bones, which are small bones that form the bridge of the nose and articulate with the frontal bone and laterally with the maxillary bones. Contrary to the urban legend, these bones cannot enter the brain if struck. They are too far from the brain and encased within a complex structure of cranial bones designed to protect the brain.

The bone forming the roof of the nasal cavity is known as the ethmoid bone, which contributes to the medial wall of the orbit and separates the nasal cavity from the brain. While this bone won't enter the brain upon impact, a fracture in the ethmoid bone or any of the bones of the cranial cavity can cause significant problems, such as bleeding or the potential for infection to reach the cranial cavity.

It's important to understand that the cranial bones, including the ethmoid bone, are tightly jointed to protect the brain. Injuries to this area can be serious and should be evaluated by a medical professional for potential brain injury or other complications.

User JD Davis
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