The nose is part of the respiratory system and more specifically the upper respiratory system or upper respiratory tract. This upper respiratory system consists of the nose and nasal cavity, the pharynx and the larynx. These structures allow us to breathe and speak. They warm and clean the air we breathe in: the mucous membranes lining the upper respiratory structures trap foreign particles, such as smoke or other pollutants, before allowing the air to flow to the lungs.

The nose and nasal cavities are airways and therefore allow breathing. The nasal cavities are chambers in the inner nose. In front of them, the nostrils are openings to the outside. The nasal turbinates, spiral-shaped bones, protrude and form spaces through which air passes. The nasal turbinates swirl the air so that it is moistened, warmed and cleaned before entering the lungs.