sense of smell olfactory system. smell smell is the most primitive sense evokes memories most...

Sense of Smell

Olfactory System

Smell is the most primitive sense Evokes memories Most animals use smell to distinguish

good from bad In humans, this function has shifted to

our emotions and helps us determine LIKES and DISLIKES

Humans’ sense of smell is weak compared to other animals

We don’t NEED it as much Smell also undergoes sensory

adaptation: you get used to smells and don’t notice them if you have been exposed for a long time

Women generally have a better sense of smell than men

Smell is sharpest between ages 20 and 40

PHEROMONES

Chemicals used to communicate Undetectable molecules secreted by

glands or in urine that can have effects on OTHER animals’ behaviors

Provide information about an animal’s identity, health, whether it is sexually receptive, etc.

PHEROMONES

VNO sends these pheromone messages to the brain

Humans have a VNO, but scientists are not sure how much we actually communicate with pheromones

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