Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A naris is one of the two external openings of the nasal cavity in vertebrates that allow air to enter and exit for respiration. It functions as a crucial part of the respiratory system, filtering, warming, and humidifying the air breathed in.
Related terms
Nasal cavity: The internal space behind the nose where inhaled air is warmed, humidified, and filtered before reaching the lungs.
Microscopic hair-like structures in the respiratory tract that move in a wave-like fashion to help trap and move particles out of the nasal passages.
Mucous membrane: A moist tissue layer lining several parts of the body including the nose, mouth, lungs, and digestive tract that secretes mucus to trap pathogens and particles