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What is the biological function of nose hair? In general, can we consider underarm hair and pubic hair to be vestigial structures?

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  • $\begingroup$ It’s weird that sometimes, that the question lacking basic research or any effort to answer the question at all, rise to top Despite the site’s policies. $\endgroup$
    – Sudhanva
    Commented Apr 17, 2019 at 12:11
  • $\begingroup$ @Chemist This is very old (~5 yrs) question. Standards change over time. $\endgroup$
    – Bryan Krause ♦
    Commented Apr 17, 2019 at 16:19

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From this article I quote

Hair in the nose is one of the body's first lines of defense against harmful environmental pathogens such as germs, fungus, and spores.

Another purpose for nose hair is to provide additional humidity to the inhaled air. As the air passes through the nasal passages, the mucus and hair provide heat and moisture. Humidity is an important factor for the rest of the respiratory system, such as the larynx and lungs.

Hair in the form of tiny cilia also draw solid particles towards the interface between the nose and throat. Harmful debris is generally directed towards the back of the throat and esophagus for swallowing, while the filtered air continues towards the larynx and lungs.

If you look on an evolutionary perspective, the arm pit hair follicles as well as pubic hair have a type of sweat gland associated with them, called an apocrine gland, that begins to function at puberty and is widely associated with scent-communication via chemicals known as pheromones (reference).

Some other functions that are associated with pubic hair are:

  • Keeping the genitals warm.
  • Drawing attention to the genitalia.
  • It also decreases friction during intercourse (reference).

The nose hair is definitely not vestigial. As long as the armpit hair (between the body and arm in certain heavyset individuals) and pubic hair serve to reduce friction and male sweat serves to increase female hormones, I wouldn't call them vestigial (reference).

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  • $\begingroup$ Keeping genital may not appropriate reason,as in male it’s located outside to keep it cool, it could be to reduce friction between genitals and limbs while walking etc $\endgroup$
    – Sudhanva
    Commented Apr 17, 2019 at 12:07
  • $\begingroup$ I meant keeping genital warm is the first line $\endgroup$
    – Sudhanva
    Commented Apr 17, 2019 at 14:12

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