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What is the Olfactory System?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
The olfactory system is the part of the brain which allows people to interpret smells. It converts chemical signals in the form of odors into perception by the brain. A number of separate structures are part of the olfactory system, including the olfactory epithelium, which collects chemical signals, and the olfactory bulb, which sends those signals to the brain. The olfactory system is part of the larger limbic system in the brain which is involved in memories, emotional responses, and behavior.
When smells reach the olfactory epithelium, cells within this structure respond to them. Different cells are sensitized to different odors, sending messages to microregions in the olfactory bulb known as glomeruli. Each glomerulus can pass signals on to different areas of the brain. The brain's perception of an odor will be influenced by which microregions are activated, and where they send their signals.
Different smells route to different areas of the brain because different responses may be required. For example, a smell which triggers a memory would be routed to one location, while a smell which requires immediate physical reaction, such as the scent of burning, would go to another area of the brain. The human brain can distinguish between a number of types of smells and related smells, although it is far less sensitive than the olfactory systems of many other animals.
In addition to the main olfactory system which processes odors in the environment, many organisms also have an accessory olfactory system which responds to pheromones. People do not perceive pheromones as specific odors, but they do react to them, because they reach various areas of the brain which can trigger responses such as sexual interest or the urge to flee. Often, responses to pheromones are subtle, and people may not realize that these chemicals are involved in their reaction to a person or situation.
The olfactory system is believed to be one of the oldest sensory systems. A sense of smell is critical to a wide variety of organisms, from rabbits which need to be able to smell approaching predators to scavengers which need to be able to detect whether or not meat is safe to eat. Damage to the olfactory system can be caused by congenital birth defects, exposure to harsh chemicals, brain damage, or damage to the nose which interferes with the delicate olfactory epithelium. Individuals with a disabled sense of smell can be a social and personal disadvantage.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
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![Smells are interpreted through the part of the brain called the olfactory system.]()
By: werbefoto-burger.chSmells are interpreted through the part of the brain called the olfactory system. -
![Rabbits use a well developed olfactory system to detect predators.]()
By: rusugrigRabbits use a well developed olfactory system to detect predators. -
![The brain's olfactory system is responsible for interpreting smells.]()
By: Eléonore HThe brain's olfactory system is responsible for interpreting smells. -
![The olfactory system is part of the limbic system, which involves memories, emotions, and behaviors.]()
By: Athanasia NomikouThe olfactory system is part of the limbic system, which involves memories, emotions, and behaviors.
Discussion Comments
Try this simple experiment to discover the relationship between taste, smell, and flavor.
Ask a volunteer to close their eyes and hold their nose. Place a small piece of apple into your volunteer's mouth. Make sure the volunteer does not see the food beforehand.
Ask them to identify the food. In most cases the person will not be able to identify the food until they release their nose. This is caused by the olfactory system.
@Proxy414
I think that there's more to the story than that. The fact that we detect deep feelings and smells shows that we have a sort of "sixth sense" which transcends the mere scents (or sense) of our dimension. I think we are only scratching the surface when we formulate things in science. Quantum mechanics demonstrates this perfectly.
@SilentBlue
It would appear that these "unconscious" or deep memories which are too deep for words, are inexplicable because they reach our memory before the appropriate words do. They are probably the basis for the evolution of speech in humans as well, with the basic elements of language having been onomatopoeia. Smell and feelings are common throughout all animals.
We tend to associate smells strongly with memory. This is also the case with feelings, which behave sort of like a smell, in terms of how they cause us to recall certain times which may have been formerly lost. A child thinks primarily in feelings, without words or logical concepts to buttress a solid understanding. This could be another reason why smell and feeling hearken us back to inexplicable memories.
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