2.  The sense of smell is referred to as the “ Olfaction ”.  Our Olfaction depends on the ability of us to detect chemicals.  Our sense of smell is not as adept as the sense of smell of a deer or other animals. › For example a deer has approximately 297 million olfactory receptors compared to a human’s 5 million receptors.

3.  The sense of smell depends on us being able to detect chemicals.  Embedded in a layer of mucus, are microscopic hairs, called “ cilia ” that collect molecules of odors.  When these odors attach themselves to the hairs, and electrical signal is sent to the “ Olfactory Bulbs ” which generate a code that is sent to the brain to be interpreted.

5.  One of the most important functions of our sense of smell is to give information about food heading towards the mouth.  Sense of smell is actually a bigger factor into our eating than the taste is.  Another function that the sense of smell serves is to communicate sexual interest. › (This is more evident in animals than humans) › “ Pheromones” are odor chemicals that communicate a message.

7.  Q-Why do certain smells instantly evoke specific memories or feelings? › Smells are sometimes associated with an emotional event, we never forget it.  Q-How are the sense of smell and sense of taste related? › Most of what we taste is actually being sensed by our olfactory system through what we smell.

8.  Our sense of smell is the most sensitive of all the senses  Our sense of smell is at our peak when we are in our late teens and then it makes a gradual decline from then on.