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Related Concept Videos

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway01:20

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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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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.
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Perception is influenced by perceptual set, context, motivation, and emotion. Perceptual set, or perceptual expectancy, refers to the tendency to perceive things in a particular way, influenced by previous experiences and expectations. This phenomenon affects the interpretation of stimuli, creating a set of mental tendencies and assumptions that impact sensory perceptions of sound, taste, touch, and sight.
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The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...
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Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
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Nature, smells, and human wellbeing.

Phoebe R Bentley1, Jessica C Fisher2, Martin Dallimer3

  • 1Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 8NR, UK.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Nature

Keywords:
EnvironmentGreen spaceMemoryOlfactorySensoryWoodlands

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Psychology
  • Sensory Ecology
  • Human Wellbeing Studies

Background:

  • The link between nature and human wellbeing is established, but often limited to visual and auditory senses.
  • Existing research on nature's smells and wellbeing primarily focuses on negative olfactory experiences (nuisance).
  • A significant knowledge gap exists regarding the positive and nuanced role of natural scents in human wellbeing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how woodland smells influence human wellbeing across different seasons.
  • To explore the connection between natural olfactory experiences and various wellbeing domains.
  • To understand the relationship between biodiversity, spatiotemporal ecological processes, and wellbeing through smell.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis of olfactory experiences in woodland environments.
  • Seasonal assessments of smell perception and its correlation with wellbeing indicators.
  • Exploration of links between specific natural smells, memory recall, and ecological characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Woodland smells are associated with multiple dimensions of human wellbeing, both positively and negatively.
  • Olfactory experiences in nature are strongly linked to personal memories and ecological processes.
  • The study reveals a connection between the seasonal and spatial variation in biodiversity and wellbeing outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Natural smells are a crucial, yet understudied, component of the multisensory experience of nature and its impact on wellbeing.
  • Recognizing the role of smell in nature-human interactions can open new avenues for wellbeing research and practice.
  • Future interventions aiming to enhance wellbeing through nature should adopt a holistic, multisensory approach, incorporating olfactory elements.