A Groove Below Our Nose

It’s called a philtrum. Practically, it’s pretty useless. But it does reveal how our faces form in the womb. 

There’s a brief time when we lack a face! 

That changes after 2 to 3 months in the womb. First, the nostrils and mouth form. Then they move to make way for your nose and lips. 

Sometimes the nose and lips don’t merge correctly. This can cause a cleft lip. 

Humans aren’t the only ones with philtrum. Philtrums are common in many mammals. For other primates, it’s as useless as it is to humans. But that’s not the case for other mammals like cats and dogs. It helps magnify their acute sense of smell.

Whether you use it or not, be happy you have one.

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