Nose

Nose

The nose is a part of the anatomy of humans and many animals that is involved in breathing and the sense of smell. It also contributes to the sense of taste.

Structure

The nose is made up of bone, cartilage, and skin. The nasal bone forms the bridge of the nose, while the rest of the structure is made up of cartilage and skin. The inside of the nose is lined with mucous membrane.

External nose

The external nose is the visible part of the nose on the face. It is made up of the nasal bone and cartilage. The nostrils (also known as nares) are the openings to the nasal cavity.

Internal nose

The internal nose is the nasal cavity, which extends from the nostrils to the nasopharynx. It is divided into two nasal passages by the nasal septum. Each nasal passage is lined with mucous membrane and has three nasal conchae or turbinates.

Function

The nose has two main functions: breathing and smelling. It also contributes to the sense of taste.

Breathing

The nose is the primary organ of respiration. It filters, warms, and humidifies the air we breathe.

Smelling

The sense of smell (olfaction) is mediated by the olfactory epithelium in the roof of the nasal cavity.

Clinical significance

The nose can be affected by a variety of conditions, including nasal congestion, rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps, and nasal fracture.

See also

• Nasal cycle
• Nasal irrigation
• Nasal septum deviation
• Nose-picking
• Rhinoplasty

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  Close-up of a canine nose

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  3D medical animation of the top section of a nose

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  Profile of a Malayan tapir

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  Elephant trunk