What is this hose that is about to break on my car?

I don't know **** about engines but it looks to me like this hose on my cherokee is about to split completely off:

http://i56.tinypic.com/v4cbig.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/2crrclv.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/1ifloz.jpg

First, what is that?

Second, would putting some kind of tape around that make it last longer? I'd prefer some kind of cheap fix since my car (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/#) is nearing the end and I'd rather not put any more money into it. If it isn't something I can fix myself how much do you think a mechanic (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/#) would charge?

Thanks in advance for any help with this!

It's part of your crankcase ventilation system. It allows fresh filtered air into the valve cover. The hose at the back end of the valve cover is connected to your intake manifold. So engine fumes are sucked out the back hose and into the engine to burn, and fresh air enters from the fron those.

Yes, you can simply clean it and tape it up.

Couple bucks (lees than 10) for a new hose; tape will work fine for awhile.