What is the olfactory bulb?
Quick Answer
The olfactory bulb is a structure in the forebrain that processes smell signals from the nose. It is the first major relay for the sense of smell.
The Full Story
The olfactory bulb receives input from sensory neurons in the nasal cavity and begins interpreting odor information before sending it deeper into the brain. Smell is unusually connected to memory and emotion, which is why scents can evoke strong recollections. The olfactory bulb sits on the underside of the frontal brain region and is part of a pathway that is different from most other senses. Damage or disease affecting it can reduce the sense of smell, known as anosmia. Its role shows how directly the brain links smell to behavior and memory.
Key Facts
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