Parts of the nose

What are the parts of the nose?

The nose anatomy includes:

• Bone: The hard bridge at the top of your nose is made of bone.
• Hair and cilia: Hair and cilia (tiny, hairlike structures) inside your nose trap dirt and particles. Then they move those particles toward your nostrils, where they can be sneezed out or wiped away.
• Lateral walls (outer walls): The outer walls of your nose are made of cartilage and covered in skin. The walls form your nasal cavities and your nostrils.
• Nasal cavities: Your nose has two nasal cavities, hollow spaces where air flows in and out. They are lined with mucous membranes.
• Nerve cells: These cells communicate with your brain to provide a sense of smell.
• Nostrils (nares): These are the openings to the nasal cavities that are on the face.
• Septum: The septum is made of bone and firm cartilage. It runs down the center of your nose and separates the two nasal cavities.
• Sinuses: You have four pairs of sinuses. These air-filled pockets are connected to your nasal cavities. They produce the mucus that keeps your nose moist.
• Turbinates (conchae): There are three pairs of turbinates located along the sides of both nasal cavities. These folds inside your nose help warm and moisten air after you breathe it in and help with nasal drainage.