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Smell

✨ The World of Smells

Smell, also called olfaction, is the sense that allows humans to detect and identify odors in the environment. It works when tiny molecules released by substances enter the nose and reach the olfactory receptors located in a specialized area of the nasal cavity.

These receptors detect different chemical molecules and send signals through the olfactory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as specific smells. The sense of smell is closely connected to memory and emotions because the brain areas involved in processing odors are linked to regions that store experiences and feelings.

Smell plays an important role in everyday life. It helps recognize food, appreciate flavors, detect possible dangers such as smoke or spoiled products, and interact with the surrounding environment. Although humans are sometimes considered less dependent on smell than many other animals, their olfactory system can still distinguish a large variety of odors.

The ability to smell can change with age, infections, injuries or certain medical conditions. Protecting nasal health and seeking medical advice when a significant loss of smell occurs can help preserve this important sense.

💡 Did you know?

The smell of memories. Did you know smell is directly connected to the part of the brain that manages emotions and memories? This is why a simple smell (like a baking cake or an old book) can instantly remind you of a specific moment of your holidays or childhood.

Smell and taste. If you want to do an experiment, eat a candy while holding your nose. You will feel it is sweet, but you will have trouble knowing if it is strawberry or orange. As soon as you release your nose, the smell goes up through the back of your throat, and 'paf', you finally sense the true taste!

Animals' super-noses. Your nose is fantastic, but that of animals is incredible. A dog can smell a missing person even several days after their passage. As for the polar bear, it can smell a seal under the ice from over 30 kilometers away!