Which two bones join to form the bridge of the nose?

The bridge of the nose is formed by the nasal bones. These two small, rectangular bones are located at the top of the nasal cavity and are positioned next to each other at the midline of the face. They primarily serve the function of supporting the structure of the nose and contribute to its shape. The nasal bones articulate with each other centrally and also connect with other facial bones, but their specific role in forming the bridge is crucial to overall facial anatomy.

In contrast, the maxillae (upper jaw bones) play a different role in the facial structure, supporting the upper teeth and forming part of the orbits but not directly creating the bridge of the nose. The ethmoid bone, located deeper in the skull, contributes to the structure of the nasal cavity but does not form the bridge itself. The mandible, or lower jaw bone, is completely separate from the structures that shape the nose and is not involved in this area. Thus, the nasal bones are the correct answer as they specifically make up the bridge of the nose.