Sense of Smell- Olfaction

    Vision has become the key sense for us humans today. But the sense of smell (olfaction) remains very important to our survival because it will warn us of hazardous substances in the area. Perhaps rotting food.  Other animals such as snakes depend on the sense of smell for many things. Such as the positioning of potential prey.The sense of taste and smell are very closely linked.

    Smell is a chemical sense, like taste. Special receptors in the nasal cavity detect scent molecules. The molecules travel up the nose because of air currents. Sniffing, obviously will take in more molecules giving you a better smell. Olfactory receptors, located at the top of the nasal cavity pick up scent information and send it through electrical impulses to the olfactory bulbs in the limbic system. 

  The Olfactory bulbs are located in the limbic system. They are in control for many things such as emotions, desires and instincts. This is why smell can trigger emotional reactions. Once processed by the Olfactory bulbs your reflex will take place. This is how olfaction occurs.  

Credits: The Human Brain
Author: Rita Carter