A reference to the sense of smell: Obviously, the nose is an olfactory organ for detecting odors. © ALL rights are reserved.

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The absence, or loss, of the sense of smell: The fear of olfactory anesthesia was a disturbing factor for the workers at the perfume factory.

1. The sensory area for olfaction lying in the hippocampal gyrus of the brain.
2. The area of nasal mucosa in which the olfactory organ is situated.

One olfactory area is at the base of the brain through which numerous small branches of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries enter the depth of the cerebral hemisphere.

1. One of two enlargements at the terminus of the olfactory nerve at the base of the brain just above the nasal cavities.
2. A key part of the olfactory apparatus consisting of a bulbous enlargement of the end of the olfactory nerve on the under surface of the frontal lobe of each cerebral hemisphere of the brain just above the nasal cavity.

Abnormal smelling which includes a loss of the ability to smell or a change in the way odors are perceived.

As for changes in the perceptions of olfactory disorders, some people notice that familiar odors become distorted, or an odor that usually smells pleasant instead smells foul.

Olfactory disorders have many causes.

Most people who develop an olfactory disorder have recently experienced an illness or an injury.

Common triggers for olfactory disorders are colds and other upper respiratory infections and head injuries.

Among other causes of olfactory disorders are polyps in the nasal cavities, sinus infections, hormonal disturbances, or dental problems.

Exposure to certain chemicals; such as, insecticides and solvents, and some medications have also been associated with olfactory disorders.

People with head and neck cancers who receive radiation treatment are also among those who experience problems with olfactory disorders.

Olfactory disorders can have serious consequences; for example, the sense of smell often serves as a first warning signal, alerting us to the smoke of a fire or the odor of a natural gas leak and dangerous fumes.

Perhaps more important is that our chemosenses are sometimes a signal of serious health problems. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, malnutrition, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and alcoholic psychosis are all accompanied or are signaled by chemosensory problems resulting in olfactory disorders.

A sudden disagreeable sensation of smell, or odor, preceding or characterizing an epileptic attack

A slow growth of a malignant tumor in the nerve tissue of the nasal area: Dr. Gibson, the otorhinolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist), was treating Ron for the olfactory esthesioneuroma detected in passages of his nose.

Any of the nerves supplying the nasal mucosa: These olfactory nerves consist of delicate bundles of fibers that pass through the bipolar receptor neurons of olfactory mucous membranes.

Sensory neurons are in the lining of the nose: The olfactory neurons are the only ones that continue to divide and differentiate throughout an organisms life.

The part of the body that is involved in the detection of smells which consist of a group of sensory receptors that respond to air-borne or water-borne chemicals: Vertebrates possess a pair of olfactory organs in the mucous membrane lining the upper part of the nose, which opens to the exterior via the external nostrils.

Chemicals from the environment are dissolved in the mucus secreted by the olfactory organs and is transmitted to the brain by the receptors via the olfactory nerve.

Olfactory organs are found on the antennae in insects and in various positions in other invertebrates.

The specialized olfactory receptive area that includes the upper one-third of the nasal septum and the lateral wall above the superior concha and is lined with olfactory mucosa.

The nasal equivalent of white noise which is a mixture of many different sound frequencies: "Olfactory white is a blend of many different smelly compounds>"

"Olfactory white also has a distinct smell, caused not by specific compounds but by the mixtures of compounds which are all of equal intensity and they consist of a full range of human smells."

"What does olfactory white smell like? The scent is so mild that it is too difficult to describe. People indicated that it contains qualities of being fit to eat both and pleasantness."