key term - Thousands

Definition

Humans have the ability to distinguish thousands of different odors, which is supported by the principle of "odorant receptor diversity." This refers to the large number of different types of receptors in our olfactory system that allow us to detect and identify a wide range of odors.

Related terms

Olfactory System:

The olfactory system is responsible for our sense of smell. It includes the olfactory receptors in our nose, the olfactory bulb in our brain, and other associated structures.

Odorants: Odorants are chemical molecules that are released from substances and detected by our olfactory system. Each odorant has a unique molecular structure that triggers specific receptors.

Sense of Smell:

Our sense of smell allows us to perceive and differentiate various odors. It plays an important role in our daily lives, influencing taste perception, triggering memories, and even affecting emotions.