Odorant molecules

Definition

Odorant molecules are tiny chemical particles in the air that interact with olfactory receptors in the nose, triggering a sense of smell. These molecules vary widely in structure, leading to the vast array of scents we can detect.

Related terms

Olfactory Receptors:

Specialized nerve cells located in the nasal cavity that detect odorant molecules and send signals to the brain.

Somatic Nervous System:

The part of the peripheral nervous system that handles voluntary control over body movements and receives sensory input from the external environment.

Sensory Perception:

The process by which sensory information (like smell) is interpreted and organized by the brain to understand and interact with the world