
Olfactory system - Wikipedia
The olfactory system, is the sensory system used for the sense of smell (olfaction). Olfaction is one of the special senses directly associated with specific organs. Most mammals and reptiles have a main olfactory system and an accessory olfactory system.
Olfactory system | Parts, Function, & Organs | Britannica
olfactory system, the bodily structures that serve the sense of smell. The system consists of the nose and the nasal cavities, which in their upper parts support the olfactory mucous membrane for the perception of smell and in their lower parts act as respiratory passages.
The Olfactory System: Basic Anatomy and Physiology for General ...
Otorhinolaryngologists must have a basic understanding of the olfactory system and the pathophysiological mechanism related to the peripheral and central olfactory pathways to help patients when diagnosing and managing olfactory dysfunction.
The Olfactory System and Your Sense of Smell - ThoughtCo
Aug 17, 2021 · The olfactory system is responsible for our sense of smell. This sense, also known as olfaction, is one of our five main senses and involves the detection and identification of molecules in the air. Once detected by sensory organs, nerve signals are sent to the brain where the signals are processed.
Physiology, Olfactory - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
May 1, 2023 · The olfactory system serves multiple functions in humans. Through direct connection with the limbic system and cerebral cortex, smells intertwine with experiencing emotions and memories. Olfaction also serves a role in shaping behaviors and communication between animals. [16]
Olfactory System – Introduction to Neuroscience
Olfaction is the ability to sense and perceive volatile chemicals that are suspended in the air. The typical human can distinguish up to 10,000 distinct odors, ranging from the sweet aroma of esters produced by apples and oranges, to the putrid smells of sulfurous compounds produced by skunks and rotten eggs.
Olfactory System - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
The olfactory system refers to the sensory system responsible for the sense of smell, consisting of the olfactory epithelium, olfactory bulb, and olfactory cortex. It plays a crucial role in essential behaviors such as feeding, self-defense, social interaction, and reproduction.
Olfactory pathway and nerve: Anatomy - Kenhub
May 3, 2023 · To understand the olfactory nerve and its clinical implications, this article will trace the olfactory nerve from its receptor cells, located in the nasal epithelium, to the olfactory cortex and beyond.
Smell – Organs, Olfactory Receptor, Central Olfactory Pathways
Sep 24, 2024 · Olfactory receptor neurons are specialized sensory cells responsible for detecting and transducing odorant molecules in the environment. These neurons play a vital role in the olfactory system, enabling organisms to perceive and differentiate a vast array of smells.
Physiology of smell: from odorants to perception | Kenhub
Feb 6, 2025 · Pleasant odors activate the medial OFC, while unpleasant odors activate the lateral OFC. Unlike most sensory pathways, the olfactory system reaches the OFC without an obligatory relay through the thalamus, allowing for direct and rapid olfactory processing.