The Ear and Nose: Structure, Functions and Care of the Ear and Nose

The Structure of the Ear

The ear is a sense organ and an organ of hearing. It is divided into three parts. These are:

• The outer ear

• The middle ear

• The iinner ear

The outer ear is funnel like in shape and comprises of an elastic cartilage. It picks sounds waves or vibrations which are carried to the ear drum. The eardrum act as a boundary between the outer ear and the middle ear.

The middle ear is made up of three small bones called ossicles. These bones are: malleus, incus and stapes respectively. The sound wave passes through the middle ear to the inner ear, and eventually to the brain through the auditory nerve.

The tiny hairs at the entrance of the outer ear alongside the wax in its passage trap dust, fine particles, insects and objects that may enter the inner ear.

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Below is a diagram showing the structures of the ear.

Functions of the Ear

• It is used for hearing.

• It helps to maintain balance.

• The shape of the outer ear helps in determining the direction of sounds.

• It equalizing air pressure for optimal eardrum vibration through the eustachian tube which connects the middle ear to the throat.

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Care of the Ear

• The outer ears should be carefully washed, cleaned and dried daily.

• Do not put any sharp object into the ear.

• A cotton swab should be used to remove dirts from the ear.

• See an otolaryngologist, commonly known as an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor when you sense any ear infections.

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Structure of the Nose

The nose is divided into two nostrils by a partition called nasal septum. The top of the nose consists of bone while the rest are made of cartilage, muscles and skin lined with a fine moist mucous membrane. The lining of the inner membrane contains small glands which produce watery secretion that keeps it moist. The olfactory nerves run from the nose to the brain which helps to perceive smell.

The tiny hairs at the entrance of the nose helps to filter out dust, pollen, germs, and other particles present in air, preventing them from reaching the lungs. These tiny hairs also help to regulate air temperature and humidity by trapping moisture, thus making inhaled air more comfortable.

Please read on the structure and functions of the hair here.

Below is a diagram showing the structures of the nose.

Functions of the Nose

• It is used for smelling since it contains specialized olfactory receptors that detect odor molecules and other chemicals.

• It is a channel for air passage in and out of the lungs.

• The tiny hairs filter dust, germs and other particles in air from entering the nostrils.

• It helps in enhancing taste.

• It influences speech and sound.

• It helps to clear mucus from the paranasal sinuses, throat and tear ducts. 

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Care of the Nose

• Aviod the use of sharp objects on the nose.

• Do not poke your nose with your fingernails or any sharp object.

• Avoid pricking and plucking the hairs in your nostrils.

• Clean your nose with handkerchief or a tissue paper.

• See an otolaryngologist, commonly known as an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor when you sense any nose infections.

• Drink plenty of water to keep mucus thin and nasal passages moist. 

• Use saline nasal sprays or a humidifier during dry weather to prevent dryness and irritation.

• Breath clean air by avoiding strong chemicals and smokes from cigarettes, cars and polluted environments.

Please read home economics week 6 topic for JSS1  here.

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