Ala of the Nose (Nostril Wing) – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

The ala of the nose is the medical term for the wing of the nostril: the rounded, flared outer wall on each side of the nose.

👁 What Does “Ala of Nose” Mean?

In medical terminology, “Ala” comes from the Latin word for “wing.”
So the Ala of the Nose literally means the “wing of the nose.”

It refers to the flared, outer part of each nostril, forming the visible curve on either side.

You can feel it easily: it’s the soft area that moves slightly when you inhale deeply or flare your nostrils.

Clinically, the term nasal ala is used in ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) and dermatology settings.

Doctors often examine this area for redness, swelling, or skin lesions, since infections and inflammation can occur here.

You might see documentation like:

“Mild swelling noted over the right nasal ala.”

This simply means there’s a bit of puffiness or tenderness on that outer nostril area — possibly due to irritation, acne, or local infection.

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You can also learn the pronunciation and clinical context in our short video:
“Dorsum of the Nose: Meaning and Pronunciation (Medical English)”