Humans Can Smell as Many as 10,000 Different Odors but Have

question 34

Multiple Choice

Humans can smell as many as 10,000 different odors but have significantly fewer types of olfactory receptors. Which of the following is the best explanation for why humans can distinguish so many smells?

• A) Taste receptors that are active at the same time influence the subtlety of what we smell.
• B) The sensation of a single, distinct smell is a combination of a variety of chemicals that stimulate different combinations of olfactory receptor cells all at once.
• C) The belief that we can smell so many different distinct odors is a psychological process referred to as an uncinate fit or olfactory hallucination.
• D) The olfactory pathway travels to location in the brain in which memories are formed and we simply mix this new sensory information with old memories.

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Definitions:

Central Nervous System

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for integrating sensory information and responding accordingly.

Frontal Cortex

A region of the cerebral cortex located at the front of the brain, associated with decision making, problem solving, consciousness, and emotions.

Circumference

The linear distance around the edge of a circle or spherical object.

James's Claim

A reference to a specific assertion or theory proposed by psychologist William James, often pertaining to his contributions to psychology, such as the James-Lange theory of emotion.