Nose: Difference between revisions

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{{otheruses}}
{{otheruses}}


The nose is the portion of the airway used to inhale, and usually contains sense receptors for the [[sense of smell]] ([[olfaction]]).  
The nose is the portion of the airway preferentially used for inhalation, and usually contains sense receptors for the [[sense of smell]] ([[olfaction]]). All newborn human babies breathe through the nose, and are called therefore called "obligate nasal breathers". Crying newborns sometimes breathe in through the mouth, and many adults are mouth-breathers. Inhalation through the mouth is generally either a learned habit, or performed because of nasal obstruction to airflow.


In humans, the nose is located centrally on the face; on most other [[mammal]]s, and in reptiles and amphibians, it is on the upper tip of the snout.


===  In mammals ===
The nose acts an interface between air within the body's respiratory passages and the atmosphere of the external world.  The nose and associated structures (the paranasal sinuses) frequently perform additional functions concerned with conditioning entering air (for instance, by warming and/or humidifying it) and by mostly reclaiming moisture from the air before it is exhaled (as occurs most efficiently in [[camel]]s).  
In most mammals, it also houses the [[nosehair]], which catch airborne particles and prevent them from reaching the lungs.  Within and behind the nose is the [[olfactory mucosa]] and the [[sinus]]es.  Behind the [[nasal cavity]], air next passes through the [[pharynx]], shared with the digestive system, and then into the rest of the [[respiratory system]]. In humans, the nose is located centrally on the face; on most other [[mammal]]s, it is on the upper tip of the snout.
 
As an interface between the body and the external world, the nose and associated structures frequently perform additional functions concerned with conditioning entering air (for instance, by warming and/or humidifying it) and by mostly reclaiming moisture from the air before it is exhaled (as occurs most efficiently in [[camel]]s).  


In most mammals, the nose is the primary organ for [[olfaction|smelling]]. As the animal sniffs, the air flows through the nose and over structures called [[turbinate]]s in the [[nasal cavity]]. The turbulence caused by this disruption slows the air and directs it toward the [[olfactory epithelium]]. At the surface of the olfactory epithelium, [[odor]] molecules carried by the air contact [[olfactory receptor neuron]]s.  which transduce the features of the molecule into electrical impulses in the [[brain]].
In most mammals, the nose is the primary organ for [[olfaction|smelling]]. As the animal sniffs, the air flows through the nose and over structures called [[turbinate]]s in the [[nasal cavity]]. The turbulence caused by this disruption slows the air and directs it toward the [[olfactory epithelium]]. At the surface of the olfactory epithelium, [[odor]] molecules carried by the air contact [[olfactory receptor neuron]]s.  which transduce the features of the molecule into electrical impulses in the [[brain]].
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==Human nose==
==Human nose==
==External Nose==


===Shapes of the human nose===
===Shapes of the human nose===
===Nasal Trauma (Broken Nose)===
==Internal Nose==
===The nasal airway===
===The nasal mucosa===
===The nasal septum===


==Culture==
==Culture==

Revision as of 12:18, 2 November 2006

Template:Otheruses

The nose is the portion of the airway preferentially used for inhalation, and usually contains sense receptors for the sense of smell (olfaction). All newborn human babies breathe through the nose, and are called therefore called "obligate nasal breathers". Crying newborns sometimes breathe in through the mouth, and many adults are mouth-breathers. Inhalation through the mouth is generally either a learned habit, or performed because of nasal obstruction to airflow.

In humans, the nose is located centrally on the face; on most other mammals, and in reptiles and amphibians, it is on the upper tip of the snout.

The nose acts an interface between air within the body's respiratory passages and the atmosphere of the external world. The nose and associated structures (the paranasal sinuses) frequently perform additional functions concerned with conditioning entering air (for instance, by warming and/or humidifying it) and by mostly reclaiming moisture from the air before it is exhaled (as occurs most efficiently in camels).

In most mammals, the nose is the primary organ for smelling. As the animal sniffs, the air flows through the nose and over structures called turbinates in the nasal cavity. The turbulence caused by this disruption slows the air and directs it toward the olfactory epithelium. At the surface of the olfactory epithelium, odor molecules carried by the air contact olfactory receptor neurons. which transduce the features of the molecule into electrical impulses in the brain.

In cetaceans, the nose has been reduced to the nostrils, which have migrated to the top of the head, producing a more streamlined body shape and the ability to breathe while mostly submerged. Conversely, the elephant's nose has become elaborated into a long, muscular, manipulative organ called the trunk.

Human nose

External Nose

Shapes of the human nose

Nasal Trauma (Broken Nose)

Internal Nose

The nasal airway

The nasal mucosa

The nasal septum

Culture

Some people choose to get rhinoplasty to change the aesthetic appearance of their nose. Nose piercings are also common, such as nostril, septum or bridge.

In New Zealand, nose pressing ("hongi") is a traditional greeting.

People famous for their noses

Template:Unreferenced

References

  1. Physical Manual: Univ. of Tennessee at Martin
  2. Eden Warwick (pseudonym of George Jabet), Nasology, or hints towards a classification of Noses, London, Richard Bentley, 1848
  3. Encyclopedia Britannica Micropedia, 1982

See also

External links

Template:Respiratory system Template:Human anatomical features

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