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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: Mar 22, 2026

A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
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What does the nose know? Olfactory function predicts social network size in human.

Lai-Quan Zou1,2, Zhuo-Ya Yang1,2, Yi Wang1

  • 1Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.

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Larger social networks are linked to better olfactory sensitivity in humans. Brain scans suggest amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex connectivity may explain this connection between smell and social interaction.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Social Psychology
  • Sensory Science

Background:

  • Olfaction plays a crucial role in human social communication.
  • The relationship between olfactory function and social network size remains largely unexplored.
  • Understanding the neural underpinnings of this connection is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between olfactory function and social network size.
  • To explore the neural mechanisms linking olfactory sensitivity and social network size.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-one healthy participants were recruited.
  • Social network size was quantified using the Social Network Index.
  • Olfactory sensitivity was assessed using the Sniffin' Stick Test.

Main Results:

  • A significant positive correlation was observed between social network size and olfactory sensitivity.
  • Functional connectivity between the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex was related to both olfactory sensitivity and social network size.

Conclusions:

  • Olfactory function is positively associated with an individual's social network size.
  • Amygdala-orbitofrontal cortex connectivity may represent a neural basis for the link between olfaction and social behavior.