Purpose: Pitanguy conducted a series of anatomical studies on "dermocartilaginous ligament" of the nose. However, information on its structure is as yet insufficient, especially in terms of its origin, insertion, and relationships with surrounding tissues. In addition, some of the histologic findings described by Pitanguy are controversial. The present study was undertaken to clarify the anatomy of the "dermocartilaginous ligament".
Methods: Sixteen cadaver noses were examined macroscopically and histologically to determine the presence, origin, insertion, composition, and relationship of the "dermocartilaginous ligament" with surrounding structures.
Results: The structure originated from the deep layer of the transverse nasalis muscle and terminated at the caudal edge of the septal cartilage in all 16 cadavers. However, in three cadavers the insertion extended to the orbicularis oris muscle. No direct connection was found between the structure and dermis of dorsal nasal skin. The dermocartilaginous ligaments were mainly composed of a condensation of thin collagen bundles, which were interwoven and without any regular orientation. Elastic fibers were also present in small numbers, and there were few amorphous ground substances. Neither muscle fibers nor chondrocytes was identified within dermocartilaginous ligaments.
Conclusion: Our macroscopic and histologic findings of the structure do not support the use of the term "dermocartilaginous ligament". According to its origin, insertion, and histologic findings, we recommend that this structure be referred to as the "median musculocartilaginous fascia".
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