Understanding the Sense of Smell

This video tutorial explains the sense of smell, starting with scent molecules in the air that are inhaled into the nose. It provides examples of different smells, such as flowers, cookies, body odor, and farts. The video describes the structure of the nose, including nose hairs and mucus, which help filter particles. It also explains how scent molecules interact with chemo receptors and the olfactory nerve to send signals to the brain for interpretation. The video concludes with a brief class activity.

What initiates the process of smelling?

• Vibrations on the skin

• Scent molecules drifting in the air

• Light waves hitting the eyes

• Sound waves entering the ear

Which of the following is NOT a source of scent molecules mentioned in the video?

• Fresh-baked cookies

• Ocean waves

• Flowers

• Armpit odor

What is the primary function of nose hairs and mucus in the nasal cavity?

• To filter light

• To produce sound

• To trap scent molecules and particles

• To enhance the sense of taste

What are the sticky clumps formed by trapped particles in the nose commonly called?

• Boogers

• Tears

• Sweat

• Saliva

What do scent molecules attach to in the nose to initiate the sense of smell?

• Olfactory bulbs

• Chemo receptors

• Taste buds

• Auditory nerves

What does the prefix 'chemo' in chemo receptors refer to?

• Chemical

• Light

• Heat

• Sound

What is created when scent molecules trigger chemo receptors?

• A sound wave

• A light signal

• An action potential

• A taste sensation

Through which nerve do the electrical signals travel to reach the brain?

• Olfactory nerve

• Auditory nerve

• Spinal nerve

• Optic nerve

What is the brain's role in the process of smelling?

• To interpret electrical signals as odors

• To produce scent molecules

• To create light signals

• To generate sound waves

Which of the following is NOT a task of the brain in the context of smell?

• Interpreting odors

• Processing electrical signals from the olfactory nerve

• Generating scent molecules

• Determining if an odor is pleasant or repulsive