olfactory cortex

The olfactory cortex is a part of the brain responsible for processing smells. When you breathe in, odor molecules are detected by receptors in your nose and send signals to this area. The olfactory cortex then interprets these signals, helping you recognize and distinguish different odors, like food, flowers, or smoke. It’s uniquely connected directly to the sense of smell and also links to other brain regions involved in memory and emotion, which is why certain smells can evoke strong feelings or memories. Overall, it plays a key role in how we perceive and respond to scents in our environment.