Function of Nose

Nose is one of the five sense organs in the body. It is the primary organ of smell and respiration in body. the functions of nose are discussed below:

1. Breathing: The primary function of the nose is to facilitate the process of breathing. Exhalation and inhalation occurs through the nose and helps in intake of oxygen rich air and removal of carbon dioxide.
2. Smell : The nose is a crucial organ for the sense of smell. The olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity detect and identify various odors, sending signals to the brain that contribute to our perception of taste and our ability to recognize and enjoy different scents.
3. Taste: The nose not only helps in smelling but also helps in tasting as when we chew the food the chemicals from the food activates the olfactory receptors and helps to identify the actual falvour of food.
4. Purification of inhaled air and protection of respiratory tract: The nose plays a role in protecting the respiratory system. The hair in the nasal passages, along with mucus production, help to trap and remove particles and pathogens thus prevent them from reaching the lungs and cause respiratory infections.
5. Speech and Voice Resonance: The paranasal sinuses within the nose contribute to the resonance of the voice. The shape and structure of the nasal cavity influence the quality of speech and the characteristics of vocal tones.
6. Nasal Reflexes: The nose is involved in various reflex actions, such as sneezing.

Also Read:

• Human Eye
• Human ear
• Human Brain

The structure of the nose is a complex design composed of bones, cartilage, and soft tissue. The external structure of the nose is somewhat triangular and is primarily shaped by two bones. The internal structure includes a cavity lined by mucus membrane and hair follicles that keep away foreign particles and humidify the inhaled air.

The nasal cavity is divided by a nasal septum. At the base of the nasal cavity lie the two nostrils that act as an entry to the nose. The nose is mainly innervated by the branches of the trigeminal nerve and olfactory nerve. Blood supply to both the external and internal nose is taken care of by various facial arteries that branch out from the carotids.