The nose (from the Latin nasus), is the prominent part of the face, located between the mouth and the forehead, particularly involved in breathing and olfaction.

Form.

Described as a nasal pyramid, the nose has a triangular shape1 External structure. The nose is made up of cartilages and a bone skeleton (1,2).

• The upper part of the nose is formed by the proper bones of the nose, which are connected to the bones of the facial mass.
• The lower part is made up of several cartilages.

Internal structure. The nose defines the nasal cavities or cavities. Two in number, they are separated by the nasal or septal septum (1,2). They communicate on both sides:

• With the exterior through the nostrils;
• With the nasopharynx, upper segment of the pharynx, through orifices called choanae;
• With the tear ducts, better known as the tear ducts, which evacuate the excess tear fluid towards the nose;
• Along with the sinuses, located in the cranial bones, which form air pockets.

Structure of the nasal cavity.

Mucous membrane of the nose. It lines the nasal cavities and is covered with eyelashes.

• In the lower part, it contains numerous blood vessels and mucus glands, maintaining moisture within the nasal cavities.
• In the upper part, it contains few mucus glands but many olfactory cells.

Cornets. Formed by a bony superposition, they are involved in respiration by preventing the flow of air through the nostrils.

Respiratory function. The nose ensures the passage of the inspired air towards the pharynx. It is also involved in humidifying and warming inspired air (3).

Immune defense. Passing through the nasal passages, the air inhaled is also filtered by the eyelashes and mucus, present in the mucosa (3).

Organ of olfaction. The nasal passages house the olfactory cells as well as the endings of the olfactory nerve, which will carry the sensory message to the brain (3).

Role in phonation. The emission of vocal sound is due to the vibration of the vocal cords, located at the level of the larynx. The nose plays a resonance role.

Broken nose. It is considered the most common facial fracture (4).

Epistaxis. It corresponds to a nosebleed. The causes are numerous: trauma, high blood pressure, disturbance of coagulation, etc. (5).

rhinitis. It refers to inflammation of the lining of the nose and manifests as a heavy runny nose, frequent sneezing, and nasal congestion (6). Acute or chronic, rhinitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection but can also be due to an allergic reaction (allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever).

Cold. Also called viral or acute rhinitis, it refers to a viral infection of the nasal cavities.

Rhinopharyngite ou Nasopharyngite. It corresponds to a viral infection of the nasal cavities and the pharynx, and more precisely of the nasopharynx or nasopharynx.

Sinusitis. It corresponds to the inflammation of the mucous membranes covering the inside of the sinuses. The mucus produced is no longer evacuated towards the nose and obstructs the sinuses. It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

Nose or sinus cancer. A malignant tumor can develop in the cells of the nasal cavity or sinuses. Its onset is relatively rare (7).

Medical treatment. Depending on the causes of the inflammation, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, decongestants may be prescribed.

Phytotherapy. Certain products or supplements can be used to prevent certain infections or relieve inflammatory symptoms.

Septoplastie. This surgical operation consists in correcting a deviation of the nasal septum.

Rhinoplasty. This surgical operation involves modifying the structure of the nose for functional or aesthetic reasons.

Cauterization. Using a laser or a chemical product, this technique makes it possible, in particular, to destroy cancer cells or to block blood vessels in the case of recurrent benign epistaxis.

Surgical treatment. Depending on the location and stage of the cancer, surgery may be done to remove the tumor.

Physical examination. The doctor can visually observe the external structure of the nose. The interior of the nasal cavity can be examined by spreading the walls apart with a speculum.

Rhinofibroscopy. Performed under local anesthesia, this examination can allow visualization of the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx.

Aesthetic value of the nose. The shape of the nose is a physical feature of the face (2).

The nose in history. The famous quote from author Blaise Pascal evokes: “Cleopatra’s nose, if it had been shorter, the whole face of the earth would have changed. “(8).

The nose in literature. The famous “nose tirade” in the play Cyrano de Bergerac by playwright Edmond Rostand mocks the shape of Cyrano’s nose (9).