# What are the nostrils called?

The the nostrils is called the external nares. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as the two external openings of the nose.

## What it means

- The two external openings of the nose.
- Separated by the septum.
- Guarded by short hairs (vibrissae) that trap coarse particles.

## Action steps

1. At the front of the nose.
2. Open downward into the vestibule of the nasal cavity.
3. Their shape and size can change with the movement of the alar cartilages.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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