What is Smell: Definition and 55 Discussions

The sense of smell, or olfaction, is the special sense through which smells (or odors) are perceived. The sense of smell has many functions, including detecting hazards, and pheromones, and plays a role in taste.
It occurs when an odor binds to a receptor within the nasal cavity, transmitting a signal through the olfactory system. Glomeruli aggregate signals from these receptors and transmit them to the olfactory bulb, where the sensory input will start to interact with parts of the brain responsible for smell identification, memory, and emotion.There are many different causes for alteration, lack, or disturbance to a normal sense of smell, and can include damage to the nose or smell receptors, or central problems affecting the brain. Some causes include upper respiratory infections, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disease.

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  1. Monique

    Boiling Water in New Saucepan Causes Puzzling Smell

    I just bought a saucepan on sale (40% off closeout sale) to use for making tea.. but I just boiled water in it and now it smells like melted plastic in here :bugeye: could it be I bought a pan that cannot be used on a gas stove? I'm puzzled :uhh:
  2. T

    When you smell smoke it is just too late.

    I'm sitting here choking and coughing. All the windows and doors are wide open and a thick cloud of smoke is wafting out and contributing about .3 degrees to global warming. Looking back at the cause of all the smoke makes me think I should have seen it coming. I'll tell you what I did and you...
  3. Q

    Favourites: Food, Colour, Smell

    What are your favourite: 1.Food :tongue2: 2.Colour :surprise: 3.Smell :yuck: 4.Clothe :blush: 5.Weather :cool: 6.Program :smile: 7.Book :bugeye: 8.Forum :wink: 9.Misc [Add your own] :uhh: :zzz: :redface: :shy: :tongue...
  4. R

    Exploring the Connection Between Smell and Frequency Perception

    Hi, how do we percieve smell? i read somewhere once that differnet smells have differnent frequencies at which they vibrate...and those frequencies interact with nerve recepticles in our nose and interact wiht certain genes... can someone clarify for me how it works off of vibrations that...
  5. M

    Discovering the Power of Smell

    First of all, what exactly is smell? It seems to me to be one of the most powerfull forces on earth. Think about it, what else will clear a crowded room quicker then strategely placed stink bombs? Seriously though, has anyone ventured out far enough as to discover what exactly smell is?
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