What are the two external openings of the nose leading to the nasal cavity called?

The two external openings of the nose that lead to the nasal cavity are called nares. This term specifically refers to the nostrils, which are the visible openings found at the base of the nose. The nares serve as the primary passage for air to enter and exit the nasal cavity, playing a crucial role in respiration and olfaction (the sense of smell). Understanding the anatomy of the nose, including the nares, is essential for studying the respiratory system in animals, as they facilitate various important functions like filtering, warming, and humidifying the air that is inhaled.

In contrast, the nostrils are often used interchangeably with nares but may refer more generally to the structures surrounding them. The septum is the cartilage and tissue that divides the nasal cavity into two halves, and the palate is the roof of the mouth, which does not pertain to the openings of the nose. Thus, nares is the most precise term for describing the external openings leading into the nasal cavity.