Olfactory coding

Olfactory coding is how your brain identifies different smells. When you breathe in, odor molecules bind to receptors inside your nose, triggering signals sent to your brain. Each receptor responds to specific types of molecules, and your brain interprets the combination and pattern of these signals to recognize various odors. Essentially, your nose detects a complex "code" of chemical signals, and your brain decodes this information to perceive distinct smells. This system allows you to distinguish thousands of different scents based on unique patterns of receptor activation.