Sense of Smell
Olfactory System
SMELL
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
SMELL
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
SMELL
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