Understanding the Sense of Smell

What is the main function of the nose in the sense of smell?

• To help us see

• To detect odors

• To taste food

• To hear sounds

Which part of the nose contains the olfactory receptors?

• Nasal septum

• Olfactory epithelium

• Nostril

• Nasal cartilage

What are the small hairs inside the nose called that help filter dust and particles?

• Cilia

• Papillae

• Villi

• Flagella

Which nerve carries smell signals from the nose to the brain?

• Optic nerve

• Olfactory nerve

• Auditory nerve

• Trigeminal nerve

If a person has a cold and their nose is blocked, why might they have trouble smelling?

• The olfactory nerve stops working

• Odor molecules cannot reach the olfactory receptors

• The brain forgets how to smell

• The tongue takes over smelling

Match the following parts of the nose with their correct function: 1. Nostrils 2. Olfactory epithelium 3. Cilia

• 1. Smell detection, 2. Air entry, 3. Filtering air

• 1. Air entry, 2. Smell detection, 3. Filtering air

• 1. Filtering air, 2. Air entry, 3. Smell detection

• 1. Air entry, 2. Filtering air, 3. Smell detection

Which of the following best explains how the sense of smell works?

• Light enters the nose and is detected by the brain

• Odor molecules enter the nose, bind to receptors, and send signals to the brain

• Sound waves enter the nose and are processed by the olfactory bulb

• Food particles are tasted by the tongue and then smelled by the nose

Why is it important for the cilia in the nose to trap dust and other particles?

• To help us taste food better

• To prevent harmful substances from reaching the lungs

• To make the nose look clean

• To help us hear better

Imagine you are a scientist studying a person who cannot smell anything. What steps would you take to find out which part of their nose might not be working properly?

• Check if their ears are working

• Examine the olfactory epithelium and olfactory nerve for damage

• Test their eyesight

• Measure their heart rate

A student claims that the sense of smell is not important for humans. Using what you know about the nose and its functions, how would you argue against this claim?

• The sense of smell helps us detect dangers like smoke or spoiled food

• The sense of smell is only for animals

• The sense of smell is not connected to the brain

• The sense of smell is only used for decoration