Orifices are specialized openings in an object or organism. They provide pathways for air, liquids or solids to pass through. Orifices are found in all forms of life, from simple bacteria to complex organisms, including humans. In animals, orifices are the pathways for air to enter and leave the body, and for food to enter and leave the digestive system. Orifices in plants are the openings through which water, minerals, and other substances are taken in, and waste products are released. Orifices can be incredibly small and intricate – a single cell can contain an orifice no larger than one billionth of a meter. These minute openings can be responsible for allowing air or liquid to move through the smallest of pathways. Orifices are also important for the function of things like engines, pumps, and other mechanical equipment. They can be important in controlling the rate or supply of materials or transporting materials from one place to another. Orifices are incredibly important in biology and technology, and they will continue to be essential tools in both fields. They provide an effective way for substances to transfer from one place to another in a controlled manner. They are also invaluable for controlling the amount of material exchange as well as the rate of flow. Essentially, orifices are invaluable for a number of applications and are critical for daily life.