olfactory system JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU
/ɒlfəktəri sɪsˈtɛm/ · ol.fac.tor.y sys.tem
noun
- The biological system responsible for the perception of smells, consisting of the olfactory epithelium, olfactory bulbs, and olfactory cortex. The olfactory system is highly developed in many animals, allowing them to detect subtle changes in their environment.
- A network of neurons and sensory receptors in the nasal cavity that transmit chemical signals to the brain, enabling the perception of odors. Damage to the olfactory system can result in a loss of sense of smell.
Did you know? The human olfactory system can detect an astonishing number of different odors, estimated to be over 1 trillion, making it one of the most complex and sensitive systems in the human body.