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Olfaction

Olfaction

The sense of smell is achieved through the activities of the olfactory system. It starts when an airborne odorant enters the nasal cavity and reaches olfactory epithelium (OE). The OE is protected by a thin layer of mucus, which also serves the purpose of dissolving more complex compounds into simpler chemical odorants. The size of the OE and the density of sensory neurons varies among species; in humans, the OE is only about 9-10 cm2.
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...

Tactile and Chemical Senses

Tactile and Chemical Senses

Tactile senses encompass touch, temperature, and pain, each mediated by specific receptors. Touch receptors detect mechanical energy or pressure against the skin. Sensory fibers from these receptors enter the spinal cord and relay information to the brain stem. Here, most fibers cross over to the opposite side of the brain. The touch information then moves to the thalamus, which projects a map of the body's surface onto the somatosensory areas of the parietal lobes in the cerebral cortex. This...

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

Humans detect odors with the help of specialized cells located in the upper part of the nasal cavity, called olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). ORNs possess hair-like structures called cilia, which are receptive to sensations from the inhaled air. When an odorant molecule binds to a specific receptor on the cell of the cilia, it leads to a series of events that ultimately cause the ORN to send electrical signals to the olfactory bulb in the brain through the olfactory nerves.
The olfactory...

Introduction to Special Senses

Introduction to Special Senses

Sensory receptors play an integral part in comprehending our external and internal environments. They receive diverse stimuli, converting them into the nervous system's electrochemical signals. This conversion occurs as the stimulus alters the sensory neuron's cell membrane potential, instigating the generation of an action potential. This action potential is subsequently transmitted to the central nervous system (CNS), which integrates with other sensory data or higher cognitive functions.

Gustation

Gustation

Gustation is a chemical sense that, along with olfaction (smell), contributes to our perception of taste. It starts with the activation of receptors by chemical compounds (tastants) dissolved in the saliva. The saliva and filiform papillae on the tongue distribute the tastants and increase their exposure to the taste receptors.

Aromatic Compounds: Overview

Aromatic Compounds: Overview

In general, the term ‘aromatic’ indicates a pleasant smell or fragrance from fresh flowers, freshly prepared coffee, etc. In the early history of organic chemistry, many benzene derivatives were isolated from the pleasant odor oils of the plants. For example, vanillin was isolated from the oil of vanilla, methyl salicylate from the oil of wintergreen, and cinnamaldehyde from the oil of cinnamon. They all had a pleasant odor; hence the name aromatic was given.
In 1825, Faraday isolated benzene...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Sampling and Analysis of Animal Scent Signals

Sampling and Analysis of Animal Scent Signals

Published on: February 13, 2021

It makes scents.

Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)

|September 6, 2011

Summary

This article examines aromatherapy, a complementary therapy, and evaluates the scientific evidence supporting its purported health benefits. It critically assesses common claims made for aromatherapy in health and wellness.

Area of Science:

Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Integrative Health
Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

Aromatherapy is a popular complementary therapy.
It involves the use of essential oils for therapeutic benefit.
Growing public interest necessitates a review of its efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically evaluate the scientific evidence for aromatherapy.
To examine the claims made for its health benefits.
To provide an evidence-based perspective on aromatherapy's role in healthcare.

Main Methods:

Literature review of scientific studies on aromatherapy.
Analysis of research methodologies and findings.
Assessment of the quality of evidence for various applications.

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Enhancement Method of Surface Acoustic Wave-Atomizer Efficiency for Olfactory Display

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Last Updated: May 29, 2026

Sampling and Analysis of Animal Scent Signals

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Published on: February 13, 2021

Rapid Collection of Floral Fragrance Volatiles using a Headspace Volatile Collection Technique for GC-MS Thermal Desorption Sampling

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Main Results:

Evidence for aromatherapy's effectiveness varies significantly by application.
Some uses show limited or anecdotal support.
Rigorous scientific validation is often lacking for many claims.

Conclusions:

Aromatherapy's therapeutic value requires further rigorous scientific investigation.
Claims should be critically assessed against available evidence.
Its integration into conventional healthcare should be cautious and evidence-based.