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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

A Lateralized Odor Learning Model in Neonatal Rats for Dissecting Neural Circuitry Underpinning Memory Formation

A Lateralized Odor Learning Model in Neonatal Rats for Dissecting Neural Circuitry Underpinning Memory Formation

Published on: August 18, 2014

Localization of odors can be learned.

Simona Negoias¹, Oxana Aszmann, Ilona Croy

¹Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Smell and Taste, University of Dresden Medical School, Dresden, Germany. simonanegoias@yahoo.com

Chemical Senses

|July 2, 2013

Summary

Olfactory training significantly improved the ability to identify which nostril received an odor stimulus. This suggests targeted olfactory training can enhance scent localization, a key aspect of smell perception.

Keywords:

directional smelling lateralization olfaction olfactory training smell trigeminal system

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An Objective and Reproducible Test of Olfactory Learning and Discrimination in Mice

An Objective and Reproducible Test of Olfactory Learning and Discrimination in Mice

Published on: March 22, 2018

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Last Updated: May 10, 2026

A Lateralized Odor Learning Model in Neonatal Rats for Dissecting Neural Circuitry Underpinning Memory Formation

A Lateralized Odor Learning Model in Neonatal Rats for Dissecting Neural Circuitry Underpinning Memory Formation

Published on: August 18, 2014

An Objective and Reproducible Test of Olfactory Learning and Discrimination in Mice

An Objective and Reproducible Test of Olfactory Learning and Discrimination in Mice

Published on: March 22, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Sensory Perception
Olfactory Research

Background:

Accurate localization of olfactory stimuli is challenging.
Current understanding of olfactory nerve stimulation limits precise scent source identification.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine if olfactory training improves stimulus localization.
Investigate the impact of passive olfactory stimulation training on lateralization tasks.

Main Methods:

Fifty-two healthy women were divided into two groups.
One group underwent olfactory lateralization training; the control group performed cognitive tasks.
Stimuli were delivered passively to one of two nostrils.

Main Results:

Only the group receiving olfactory training showed significant improvement in localizing odor stimuli.
Training enhanced the ability to distinguish which nostril was stimulated.

Conclusions:

Olfactory lateralization training can significantly improve scent localization ability.
This highlights the plasticity of the olfactory system and potential for sensory training.