01 / Location & anatomical relationships
At the bottom of your nose, one opening on each side.
02 / Structure & organization
Each external naris opens into the nasal vestibule, where skin transitions toward the deeper nasal lining. Cartilage supports the opening. The vestibule often contains coarse hairs that intercept larger particles before air reaches the nasal cavity.
03 / Function
Air moves through them when you breathe through your nose.
04 / Mechanism
Each nostril leads into the nasal cavity. Air can flow in during a breath and out during an exhalation. The tissue between the two sides of the nose is called the nasal septum.
Part of a bigger picture
The nostril belongs in our head & face collection. Explore the nearby parts to see how this area of the body fits together.
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Connect structure with function
The nostrils are paired entrances to a larger passage system. The nasal septum separates the right and left sides internally, while both communicate with the pharynx posteriorly.
Check your understanding
Locate the nostril in relation to its neighbors. Explain how the structural features described above support its function, then distinguish it from a nearby structure with a different role.
Keep learning
Continue with OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology for system-level study. This atlas is educational and has not undergone independent medical peer review.