Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Normal nasolabial anatomy in infants younger than 1 year of age
Marc D Thomas1, Miles J Pfaff, Janelle Tonn
1New Haven, Conn. From Pediatric Dentistry and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, and Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Background:
Normal nasolabial anatomy has received little attention in infants younger than 1 year. However, the notion of an ideal lip and nose is critical to reconstruction of this region, especially for cleft lip and nose repair. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively define the normal nasolabial anatomy in a series of infants younger than 1 year.
Methods:
A prospective analysis was performed of infants aged 0 to 12 months from 2011 to 2012. Plaster molds of the nasolabial region were produced from each subject. Anthropometric measurements were performed by two independent, blinded reviewers. Results were compiled and compared statistically using the two-tailed t test and analysis of variance with the post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference test. Correlation coefficients were calculated for the relationship of age and weight to nasolabial measurements.
Results:
A total of 34 infants were included (mean age, 8.7 months; girls, n = 11). Ten anthropometric measurements of the nasolabial region were performed. Nasal length in boys was significantly longer than in girls (p < 0.05). With the exception of alar base width (p < 0.001), philtrum column height (p < 0.05), and cutaneous upper lip height (p < 0.01), ethnicity had no effect on nasolabial measurements. Alar thickness and nares circumference correlated positively with age and weight (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The normal nasolabial morphology is anthropometrically described in a population of infants younger than 1 year. Measurements were similar between boys and girls, and alar thickness and nostril circumference correlated with increasing age and weight.
Related Concept Videos
Nose and Nasal Cavity
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract.
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
Oral Cavity
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

