Our nose is not just a part of our face; it does some really important jobs! In this article, we will learn about how the nose works and some cool facts about it.
The nose is like a door for the air we breathe. It starts with the nostrils, which are the two holes you see. These are separated by a wall called the septum, made of skin and bone.
Behind the nose is a space called the nasal cavity. When we breathe in, air goes through the nostrils, into the nasal cavity, and then down the windpipe to the lungs. When we breathe out, the air goes the other way.
The nose does more than just let air in and out. Here are some important things it does:
Our nose helps us smell things using a special area called the olfactory epithelium. This area has tiny sensors that detect different smells. When we smell something, these sensors send messages to the brain, which helps us know what we are smelling, like yummy food or stinky socks!
Anosmia is when someone can’t smell anything. This can happen if the nose is blocked or if there’s a problem in the brain. Sometimes it’s temporary, but it can also be permanent.
The nose is an amazing part of our body that helps us breathe and smell. Learning about how it works helps us understand why it’s so important.
Did you know that the wiggly wall in the middle of your nostrils is called the septum?
Make a Nose Model: Gather some clay or playdough and create a model of the nose. Try to include the nostrils, septum, and nasal cavity. Once your model is ready, use a straw to simulate how air travels through the nose. Can you explain to someone else how the nose warms, moistens, and filters the air?
Smell Detective: With the help of an adult, gather a few items with different smells, like an orange, a piece of chocolate, or a flower. Close your eyes and have someone hold each item under your nose. Can you guess what each item is just by smelling it? Discuss how your nose helps you identify different smells and why this might be important in everyday life.
Observe and Record: Spend a day observing how your nose works. Notice how it feels when you breathe in cold air versus warm air. Does your nose feel different when you are outside compared to when you are inside? Write down your observations and think about how your nose helps you adapt to different environments.
