Cottle’s Areas
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👃 Cottle's Areas of the Nose
Cottle's classification divides the nasal cavity into five distinct anatomical zones to help assess and diagnose causes of nasal obstruction.
This is a frequently asked viva question in ENT practicals.
🔍 Cottle's Areas
| Area | Anatomical Region |
|---|---|
| Area 1 | Nostril (External nasal opening) |
| Area 2 | Nasal valve area – the narrowest part of the nasal airway |
| Area 3 | Region beneath the bony and cartilaginous vault (also called the attic) |
| Area 4 | Anterior nasal cavity including the heads of the turbinates and infundibulum |
| Area 5 | Posterior nasal cavity, including the posterior ends of the turbinates |
🩺 Clinical Relevance of Cottle's Areas
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Helps localize site of obstruction in patients with nasal blockage.
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Important in planning functional nasal surgery like septoplasty or functional rhinoplasty.
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Useful in performing and interpreting Cottle’s Test, which specifically assesses Area 2 (Nasal valve area).
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