Jacobsen's Organ

Jacobsen’s Organ, also known as the vomeronasal organ, is a specialized structure in some animals, like snakes and lizards, that detects chemical signals called pheromones. Located in the nasal cavity, it helps these creatures sense environmental cues related to reproduction, territory, and prey. When an animal picks up a scent, the pheromones are drawn into this organ, triggering behavioral responses. In humans, the organ is present but usually non-functional, and its role in scent detection is not well understood. Overall, Jacobsen’s Organ is a key sensory tool for many animals to interpret their chemical environment.