The importance of the olfactory sense in the human behavior and evolution
Journal of Medicine and Life Vol. 2, No.2, April-June 2009, pp.196-198
C. Sarafoleanu, C. Mella, M. Georgescu, C. Perederco
„Sfanta Maria” Clinical Hospital, ENT - HNS Department, Bucharest, Romania
"Abstract
Not long ago it was believed that the human olfactory sense had a low importance, a vision which turned into the exploration of the environment. Recent studies have shown that, despite the weak representation of the olfactory receptor common in other species too, the cortical areas of integration of the olfactory sensations are very large and have important interconnections with memory, language, and neuro-vegetative areas.
In humans, olfaction has a small contribution in identifying objects or other people, but plays an important social and emotional part. People learn to love or to hate certain foods or objects only by appreciating their odor and this proved to be a very important economic factor.
The most significant role of olfactory signals in humans appears to be the modulation of their behavior and interpersonal relationships, of their affiliation to certain groups or social classes, having a major influence in their tastes and personality...
"..The olfactory epithelium contains another sensitive system via sensitive branches of trigeminal nerve. Many odorants cam produce sensations transmitted by trigeminal nerve. For example levo-menthole. If placed in the nasal cavity it produces cold sensations in small amounts and hot sensations in much bigger quantities [3]. Just the same way camphor produces a cold sensation via trigeminal nerve. Olhoff postulates that about 70% of odors also stimulate the trigeminal nerve, but with an intensity several times smaller than that of the olfactory receptors
The olfactory sense could have unbelievable attributes if we consider its’ capacity to modulate human behaviors. It has determinant roles in the evolution of human habitat, in the way of preparing food and, most important of all, in
the social behavior. The odor is thought to be essential in defining human inner ego as an indispensable attribute of sophistication and complexity. The odor can even allow tracing the limits between professions, races, or diseases.
Back in the ancient times, perfumes used play a part in defining sexuality consciously contributing to the unconscious effect of pheromone-like chemicals on the vomeronasal organ. The smell is linked to taste and appetite in the same way emotions are associated with arts and normal social life requires intense participation of all the five senses in variable proportions, depending on the situation
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