Physiology, Olfactory

Excerpt

Olfaction is the chemical sensation of gaseous odorants colloquially referred to as the ability to smell. The olfactory nerve (cranial nerve one) in coordination with other neuroanatomical structures in the nasal passages, neurotransmitters, and the cerebral cortex is responsible for carrying out this intricate chemosensory process. In humans, olfaction closely couples to other complex functions such as gustation (taste) and involuntary memory formation. From an evolutionary standpoint, an intact sense of smell is critical for evaluating the safety of ingestible substances, assessing impending danger, and recognizing social relationships. The ability to perceive and detect orders tends to decline with normal aging. In a clinical setting, changes in olfaction may represent the initial presentation of the underlying pathology and warrant a thorough medical evaluation.