Why Do Humans Have a Sense of Smell?

Smell is like a special message that goes from our nose to our brain. When we sniff something, tiny particles float in the air and enter our nose. These particles stick to nerve cells, which send messages to our brain, telling us what the smell is, like when you smell cookies and know dinner is coming.

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Examples

When you sniff your mom's perfume and know it's her, that’s your sense of smell at work.
Your nose can tell when cookies are baking because it picks up their sweet scent.
Smell helps you find your favorite snack in the fridge without even looking.

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Categories: Biology · smell· senses· neuroscience· human biology· olfaction