Image for Jacobson's organ

Jacobson's organ

Jacobson's organ, also known as the vomeronasal organ, is a small structure found in many animals, including some mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. It plays a key role in the detection of pheromones, which are chemical signals used for communication, especially in mating and territory marking. Located in the nasal cavity, it helps animals sense subtle chemical cues from their environment. While humans possess a vestigial version of this organ, it is not typically functional. In species that use it, Jacobson's organ is crucial for social interactions and reproductive behavior.