sense of smell

The sense of smell, or olfaction, involves detectoring airborne molecules through sensors in the nose called receptors. When these molecules bind to receptor cells, they send electrical signals to the brain, specifically the olfactory bulb, which interprets these signals as distinct smells. This system allows us to perceive a wide range of odors, connecting closely with taste and memory, and plays important roles in detecting hazards like smoke or spoiled food. The sense of smell is a complex, specialized chemical sensing process essential for experiencing and reacting to our environment.