Olfactory Adaptation

Definition

Olfactory adaptation refers to the phenomenon where our sense of smell becomes less sensitive to a constant or prolonged odor over time.

Related terms

Sensory Habituation:

Sensory habituation is when our sensory receptors become less responsive to repeated or continuous stimuli. In the case of olfactory adaptation, it specifically refers to our sense of smell becoming less sensitive over time.

Threshold:

The threshold is the minimum level of stimulation needed for us to detect a particular stimulus. In olfactory adaptation, our threshold for detecting a specific odor increases as we adapt to it.

Pheromones:

Pheromones are chemical signals released by animals that can influence behavior or trigger responses in other individuals of the same species. Olfactory adaptation can impact our ability to detect pheromones since we may become desensitized to their scent over time.