Nostril facts for kids
A nostril is one of the two openings of your nose. Think of them as the entry points for air to get into your body and for smells to reach your brain!
Contents
Nostrils: Your Nose's Openings
Your nose has two special openings called nostrils. These are the channels that lead from the outside world into the inside of your nose. They are super important for breathing and for your sense of smell.
What are Nostrils?
Each nostril is like a tunnel. These tunnels start where the inside of your nose splits into two paths and end at the outside openings you can see on your face. They are designed to help you take in air and to smell things around you.
How Do Nostrils Work?
Inside your nostrils, especially in birds and mammals, there are special bony or cartilage structures called turbinates. Imagine them like small, curled shelves. These turbinates have two main jobs:
- Warming the air: When you breathe in cold air, the turbinates help to warm it up before it reaches your lungs. This is important for your body's health.
- Removing moisture: When you breathe out, the turbinates help to catch moisture from your breath. This stops your body from losing too much water.
Nostrils in Different Animals
Not all animals use their nostrils in the same way!
- Birds and Mammals: Like humans, birds and most mammals use their nostrils for both breathing and smelling.
- Fish: Fish do not breathe through their noses. Instead, they have two small holes that are used only for smelling. These holes can also be called nostrils.
The Nasal Cycle in Humans
Did you know that your nostrils take turns working? In humans, there's something called the nasal cycle. This means that during the day, your nostrils will switch over. Roughly every four hours, one nostril becomes more active while the other rests. So, usually, only one nostril is doing most of the work at any given time!
