
Olfactory receptors
Olfactory receptors are special proteins located in the nasal cavity that allow us to detect and identify different scents. When we inhale, odor molecules bind to these receptors, which then send signals to the brain, enabling us to perceive smells. Each receptor is sensitive to specific types of odor molecules, contributing to our ability to distinguish between thousands of different smells. This sense of smell plays a crucial role in taste, as well as in memory and emotional responses, making olfactory receptors essential for our overall sensory experience.