Human nose

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Human Nose

The Human Nose (pronunciation: /ˈhjuːmən noʊz/) is a prominent feature on the face of a human. It is the organ responsible for the sense of smell, and also functions as part of the respiratory system by filtering and conditioning inhaled air.

Etymology

The term "nose" comes from the Old English nosu, which is of Germanic origin. The specific term "human nose" is used to differentiate it from the noses of other animals or species.

Anatomy

The human nose is composed of bones, cartilage, and skin. The upper part of the nose, known as the bridge, is made of bone, while the lower part, or the tip, is made of cartilage. Inside the nose are the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses, which are involved in respiration and the sense of smell.

Nasal Cavity

The nasal cavity is the interior of the nose. It is divided into two passages by the nasal septum, and it extends from the nostrils to the pharynx. The nasal cavity is lined with mucous membrane, which helps to warm, moisturize, and filter the air we breathe.

Paranasal Sinuses

The paranasal sinuses are air-filled spaces within the bones of the face and skull that connect to the nasal cavity. They help to lighten the weight of the skull, humidify and heat inhaled air, and enhance the resonance of the voice.

Function

The primary functions of the human nose are breathing, smelling, and tasting. The nose filters, warms, and humidifies the air we breathe before it enters the lungs. The sense of smell, or olfaction, is also a primary function of the nose. Additionally, the nose contributes to the sense of taste by carrying flavor molecules to the olfactory receptors in the roof of the mouth.

Related Terms

  • Nostril: One of the two channels of the nose, divided by the nasal septum.
  • Nasal septum: The cartilaginous wall that divides the two nostrils.
  • Olfaction: The sense of smell.
  • Rhinitis: Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose.
  • Rhinoplasty: A surgical procedure to change the shape of the nose.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski