nostril
Definition
In anatomy, a nostril is one of the two openings in the nose that allow air to enter. The nostrils are located on the lateral side of the nose and they are separated by the septum.
The nostrils are lined with a moist membrane that contains tiny hairs and mucus. The hairs help to filter the air that enters the nose and the mucus helps to trap dust and dirt.
The nostrils also contain olfactory receptors, which are responsible for smell. When we smell something, the odour molecules travel up the nose and bind to the olfactory receptors. The olfactory receptors then send signals to the brain, which interprets the signals as different smells.
The nostrils are important for breathing, smell, and regulating body temperature. They help to filter the air that we breathe in, trap dust and dirt, and humidify the air. They also help to regulate body temperature by warming the air that we breathe in.
How can the word be used?
The nostrils are lined with small hairs that help to filter out dust and other small particles from the air that we breathe in.
Different forms of the word
The word "nostril" has no different forms. It is a noun that refers to one of the two openings in the nose that allow air to enter and exit.
Etymology
The word "nostril" comes from the Old English word "nostþyrl," which is made up of the words "nosu" (nose) and "þyrl" (hole). The Old English word "nostþyrl" is also the source of the Dutch word "neusgat" and the German word "Nasenloch.".
The word "nostril" was first used in English in the 10th century. It was used to refer to one of the two openings in the nose that allow air to enter and exit.
Question
What do your nostrils do?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the role of nostrils in the respiratory system and how they contribute to the process of breathing.
Answer:
Nostrils play a vital role in the respiratory system, serving as the entry points for air into the body. They are the openings located at the base of the nose, leading to the nasal passages. The primary function of the nostrils is to facilitate the inhalation of air, which is essential for the process of breathing.
When we inhale, the air is drawn in through the nostrils. The size of the nostrils can be adjusted to regulate the airflow based on the body's oxygen needs. Inside the nasal passages, the air undergoes a series of processes that are crucial for respiratory health. These processes include filtering out particles through the action of nose hair, moistening and warming the air to prevent irritation of the respiratory tract, and even detecting odour molecules.
Furthermore, the nostrils contribute to maintaining the balance of gases in the body. As air enters the nasal passages, it contains oxygen that is essential for cellular respiration. The oxygen is then transported to the lungs and eventually to the bloodstream, where it is distributed to body tissues. This oxygen exchange is fundamental for energy production and overall body function.