The Sense of Smell in Man — Its Physiologic Basis

Abstract

THE sense of smell has received scant attention in contrast to other special senses. Although it may be crucial to survival in animals, it seems less critical for man. Lack of knowledge stems, in part, from difficulties encountered in the study of olfaction; the end-organ is relatively inaccessible, and the stimulus is difficult to quantify.Pathways for SmellThe olfactory membrane occupies a position high in the nasal cavity out of the mainstream of air flow (Fig. 1). Because olfactory receptors are located in a small cavity surrounded by erectile nasal mucous membrane, the quantity, temperature and moisture of inspired . . .