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harry potter - Does Voldemort have the sense of smell?


Voldemort doesn't have much of a nose.


Would he still be able to smell with what he has left? Assuming his sense of smell is impaired, to what extent was it be stunted?



Answer



Voldemort's nostrils seem to be of variable visibility, but they are generally present. One might imagine that, when they aren't as visible, it's because he doesn't have them flared, so they blend in.


Voldemort is judging you



As for whether a person can smell things without a nose, the experts say that they will be able to, but their ability to breath will be impaired.



Likewise, the nose funnels air (and smells) toward receptor neurons, * which sit behind the face and near the front of the brain. You can't really damage this odor-sensing area by slicing off cartilage. More likely, cutting off someone's nose will affect their breathing, which in turn affects their ability to smell. The front of the nose has two main functions: It guides airflow and filters out dust and other large particles. The nostrils direct incoming breaths up and over turbinates located behind the nose. These turbinates secrete moisture to humidify the air before it reaches the receptors. At the same time, particles get stuck in nasal mucus before dripping or getting sneezed out. Without a nose, you'd end up inhaling more dry, dusty air...



The article in question is specifically addressing a real-world case where Taliban guerrillas sliced off the noses and ears of drivers suspected of colluding with the enemy. In a body shaped by magic, Voldemort might still have working turbinates within his face, which would mean that he might have no problem at all.


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