The Nose

Guiding Questions

• What is the nose?
• What are the parts of the nose?
• What are the functions of the nose?

 

Overview

Have you ever used an air filter at home or in a car? Air filters clean the air before it goes through the system.

Your body has something similar. Your nose helps filter, warm, and clean the air you breathe before it enters your lungs. It checks the air that enters your body, trapping dust, germs, and other harmful particles so they don’t go deeper into your respiratory system. It also helps you detect different scents and clean the air in your environment using special structures. The nose works closely with other parts of the body, including the lungs and brain.

 

Parts of the Nose

The nose has both external and internal parts that help it function properly.

The nostrils are the openings of the nose where air enters and exits.

Inside the nose is the nasal cavity, a hollow space that air passes through. The nasal cavity is lined with mucus and tiny hairs called cilia.

Cilia help trap dust, germs, and other particles, while mucus helps catch and remove them from the air.

The septum is a wall made of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two sides.

At the top of the nasal cavity are special cells called olfactory receptors. These cells detect smells and send signals to the brain.

 

Functions of the Nose

The nose has several important functions.

One main function is breathing. The nose allows air to enter and leave the body.

Another function is filtering air. The mucus and cilia trap dust, germs, and other harmful particles.

The nose also helps warm and moisten air before it reaches the lungs. This helps protect the respiratory system.

A very important function is smell. The olfactory receptors detect different scents and send signals to the brain so you can recognize smells.

The nose also plays a role in taste, since your ability to smell affects how you experience flavors.

 

Common Conditions

Sometimes the nose can be affected by different conditions.

A common cold is caused by viruses and can lead to a runny or stuffy nose.

Allergies can cause sneezing, itching, and congestion when the body reacts to substances like pollen or dust.

Sinus infections occur when the spaces around the nasal cavity become inflamed or infected.

Taking care of your health and avoiding irritants can help keep your nose functioning properly.

 

Review

• What are the openings of the nose called? Nostrils
• What is the hollow space inside the nose called? Nasal Cavity
• What tiny hair-like structures help trap particles in the nose? Cilia
• What part of the nose divides it into two sides? Septum
• What cells help you detect smells? Olfactory Receptors
• What is one main function of the nose? Breathing or Smell

 

DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The blog post and everything contained on it is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.