Not Only Olfaction: The Nose, Protagonist of the Diversity and Individuality of the Human Face

Besides being involved in respiratory and olfactory functions, the human nose presents the peculiar morphological and functional characteristics that have emerged during the evolution of the face and neural skull. In particular, following the nasalization process, i.e., the formation of the nasal bone bridge and the development of the nasal cartilage, it took the form of a triangular pyramid protruding on the median plane of the face, contributing to defining those physiognomic traits that make the face of each individual unique and unmistakable. This chapter examines the genetic, physiological and climatic factors that are at the origin of the evolution and morphological variability of the nose and face. It also considers the possible selective mechanisms of a cultural and social nature which may lead to the unforeseeable and peculiar combinations of physiognomic traits of the nose and face that are the basis of personal identity and individual recognition. Finally, it looks at the genes involved in the characterization of specific traits of the nose and face and how they are contributing to skull-facial reconstruction.