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nose hair

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Nose hairs are tiny hairs that grow inside your nose. They are made of keratin, the same material that makes up your skin, hair, and nails. Nose hairs are usually about 1-2 millimetres long, but they can grow to be longer in some people.

Nose hairs serve several important functions. They help to filter the air that you breathe in, trapping dust, pollen, and other small particles. They also help to warm the air that you breathe in, which is important for protecting your lungs from cold air.

In addition, nose hairs help to humidify the air that you breathe in. This is important because dry air can irritate your nasal passages.

Nose hairs are also thought to play a role in smell. They help to trap odour molecules and carry them to the olfactory receptors in the roof of your nose.

While nose hairs are generally beneficial, they can sometimes become too long or wiry. This can make it difficult to breathe and can also lead to infections. If your nose hairs are bothersome, you can trim them with a pair of scissors or a nose hair trimmer.

How can the word be used?

Vibrissae are long, stiff hairs that are found in a variety of animals, including humans.

nose hair

Different forms of the word

The word "nose hair" has no different forms. It is a compound word that is made up of the noun "nose" and the noun "hair.".

Etymology

The word "nose hair" was first used in the early 19th century. It was used to describe the hairs that grow inside the nose.

Question

What is nose hair and what does it do?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the purpose of nose hair in the respiratory system and how it contributes to maintaining respiratory health.

Answer:

Nose hair, also known as nasal hair, serves a crucial role in the respiratory system by acting as a natural filter and barrier against harmful particles present in the air. These tiny hair-like structures are part of the body's defence mechanism to protect the respiratory tract.

When we inhale, the air carries with it various particles, such as dust, pollen, and bacteria. The nose hair acts as a physical barrier, trapping these particles before they can reach the sensitive passages of the respiratory system. This prevents these harmful substances from entering the lungs and causing irritation or infection.

Nose hair also plays a role in humidifying the air. As air passes through the nasal passages, the hair slows down its movement, allowing more time for the air to come in contact with the moist nasal lining. This process helps to add moisture to the inhaled air, ensuring that the respiratory passages remain hydrated and less prone to irritation.