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Medicanet 
body parts
Nose |
NoseThe nostrils are the two visible holes that make up the nose, and the nostrils are separated by a septum.
The septum is found close to the skull and it is made up of very small pieces of bone. Cartilages are what make up the tip of the nose, and it is a flexible material. Found at the back of the throat and behind the nose is the nasal cavity.
When one inhales, the air travels up the nostrils, makes its way through to the nasal passage to the nasal cavity.
The air passes the throat, down the trachea or windpipe and travels down to the lungs. Old air that is stored in the lungs is then exhaled, and this is done through the nose or the mouth. The nose helps with lungs protection by making the air it takes in moist, warm and filtered.
The mucus membrane is what is responsible for warming and moistening the air the nose takes in. It is also responsible for causing the sticky substances along the lining of the nose. The mucus inside the membrane aids in collecting small particles of dust and germs that irritate the lungs.
Sneezing is what forces out dust and germs, and this is the body’s way with going all out in lungs protection.
The nose is used to breathe. Breathing helps one aware of the surroundings and the environment. The one responsible for smelling is the olfactory epithelium and this is located on the roof of the nasal cavity.
Sensitive receptors inside the nose are responsible for helping one make out the various odor molecules in the air we breathe. When the receptors are stimulated, a signal is sent to the olfactory nerve which then sends a signal to the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb is located under the brain.
Many people think that tasting is done with the tongue and the tongue alone. However, tasting cannot be done without the help of the nose. The tongue and nose work together when it comes to smelling and tasting.
What cause a common cold is cold viruses that are passed to the throat and then the cold virus is deposited inside the lymph gland. This is also an infection that can lead to nasal congestion. The common cold not only affects the nose but also the bronchial tubes, sinuses and the ears as well. Also affected by nasal congestion is the speech and the hearing.
Nose surgery helps many cure their breathing problems, and it is also done for cosmetic and medical purposes.
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