olfacto-, olfact-

A unit of odor, the minimum perceptible odor, being the minimum concentration of a substance in a solution which can be perceived by a large number of normal individuals, expressed in terms of grams per liter.

Any substance which is capable of stimulating the sense of smell.

Referring to that which can be smelled or being able to smell.

A descriptive term referring to the senses of smelling.

The act of smelling, perceiving, and the ability to distinguish various odors: Olfaction is important and necessary for life because it can indicate danger, as in discerning smoke or toxic chemicals. © ALL rights are reserved.

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A sensation of smelling.

The scientific study of the sense of smelling.

1. An apparatus for testing the sensitiveness of odor perceptions.
2. A device for estimating the sensitivity to different odorants.

1. The measurement of the sense of smell.
2. A determination of the degree of sensitivity to odorants.

A smelling organ; such as, the nose.

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.