Last updated 28/11/2018 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health

Rudolf is red on the nose. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Research: Why Rudolf is red on the nose…

A somewhat untraditional piece of research, published in renowned BMJ, addresses something we all wonder about around Christmas time: Why is Rudolf red on the nose? In 2012, researchers took the issue seriously, and examined 5 people versus 2 reindeer, as well as 1 person with grade 3 ranked nasal polyps. What they measured was the microcirculation in capillaries in the nasal structures.

RESULTS:

Similarities between human and reindeer nasal microcirculation were uncovered. Hairpin-like capillaries in the reindeers' nasal septal mucosa were rich in red blood cells, with a perfused vessel density of 20 (SD 0.7) mm / mm (2). Scattered crypt or gland-like structures surrounded by capillaries containing flowing red blood cells were found in human and reindeer noses. In a healthy volunteer, nasal microvascular reactivity was demonstrated by the application of a local anesthetic with vasoconstrictor activity, which resulted in direct cessation of capillary blood flow. Abnormal microvasculature was observed in the patient with nasal polyposis.

- The results showed that humans and reindeer have approximately the same nasal microvascular functions, but that the blood capillaries were relatively much denser in reindeer.

CONCLUSIONS:

The nasal microcirculation of reindeer is richly vascularized, with a vascular density 25% higher than that in humans. These results highlight the intrinsic physiological properties of Rudolph's legendary luminous red nose, which help to protect it from freezing during sleigh rides and to regulate the temperature of the reindeer's brain, factors essential for flying reindeer pulling Santa Claus's sleigh under extreme temperatures.

- The conclusion that Rudolf has an extra red nose is that the nose of reindeer has a 25% greater vascularity in its nasal capillary system, which helps him keep his nose tempered during icy sledding trips and not least to regulate the temperature of the brain. Funny, right? Hohoho ..

Reference:

Why Rudolph's nose is red: observational study.