Nasal Passage:This is a pathway for air to travel through the nose. The passage walls are lined with respiratory membranes containing countless tiny hair-like cells that move waves of mucus toward the throat. The mucus in the nose traps dust, bacteria, and other airborne particles, which are then carried back, swallowed, and neutralized by stomach juices to prevent any potential harm. The structures responsible for detecting smells are composed of tissue patches known as olfactory membranes. These membranes, about the size of a postage stamp, are situated in two small clefts beneath the bridge of the nose. While most inhaled air passes through the nose, only a small portion reaches the olfactory clefts to trigger a smell response. Sniffing enhances air movement through the nose, boosting the flow to the olfactory clefts and delivering more scent to these sensory areas.
