Humans have four nostrils in total.
While it's common to think of having only two nostrils, the human nose actually has two sets of nostrils:
- Two external nostrils (anterior nares): These are the openings visible on the outside of the nose.
- Two internal nostrils (posterior nares, posterior nasal apertures, or choanae): These are located at the back of the nasal cavity, inside the head, and connect the nose to the throat (nasopharynx). These internal nostrils aid in respiration.
Therefore, taking both the external and internal nostrils into account, the total number is four.
