smell perception

Smell perception begins when odor molecules enter the nose and bind to specialized receptors in the nasal cavity. These receptors send signals through the olfactory nerve to the brain’s olfactory bulb, which processes and identifies different scents. The brain then interprets these signals, enabling us to recognize and respond to various smells. This process involves a complex interaction between molecules, receptors, and neural pathways, allowing us to perceive an array of odors that influence appetite, memory, and emotions.