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Handedness is a determining factor in lateralized olfactory discrimination
T Hummel1, P Mohammadian, G Kobal
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden, Germany. thummel@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
Chemical Senses
|November 7, 1998
Summary
Handedness influences how well people discriminate odors between nostrils. While odor thresholds were similar, left-handers excelled at left-nostril discrimination, and right-handers at right-nostril discrimination, suggesting olfactory lateralization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Perception
Background:
- Olfactory function, or sense of smell, is crucial for survival and quality of life.
- Previous research suggests potential lateralization in sensory systems, but olfactory lateralization requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate olfactory thresholds and odor discrimination differences between nostrils in relation to handedness.
- To explore the potential lateralization of higher olfactory functions.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 20 left-handed and 20 right-handed healthy non-smokers.
- Assessed olfactory thresholds and odor discrimination abilities for each nostril.
- Compared performance between left- and right-handers.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in odor thresholds were found between left- and right-handers.
- Left-handers showed significantly better odor discrimination with their left nostril compared to their right.
- Right-handers demonstrated the opposite pattern, with better discrimination in the right nostril.
Conclusions:
- Higher olfactory functions, specifically odor discrimination, exhibit lateralization.
- Handedness is associated with the pattern of olfactory lateralization in healthy individuals.
- These findings support the hypothesis that olfactory processing, like other sensory modalities, is lateralized.