The elephant's trunk is a combination of its nose and upper lip. The elephant uses its long, flexible trunk to grasp objects, pluck leaves, break off branches and carry heavy objects like logs. While strong, the trunk is also very sensitive. Small, finger-like projections at the end help elephants to pick up small objects. The trunk is also used to suck in water for drinking or to spray water over the body for bathing. Elephants pick up dust with their trunks in the same way when they want to have a dust bath. When lying in water, the elephant sticks its trunk out to breathe. Elephants use the nostrils at the tip of the trunk to capture the scent in the air. The trunk is then placed in their mouth, where special organs identify the scent.
