Olfactory system

This article is about the olfactory system in vertebrates, particularly humans. For the sense of smell in other lifeforms, see Olfaction. For machines, see Machine olfaction.
Olfactory system
Components of the olfactory system
Identifiers
FMA7190
Anatomical terminology

The olfactory system, or sense of smell, is the sensory system used for olfaction (i.e., smelling). Olfaction is one of the special senses directly associated with specific organs. Most mammals and reptiles have a main olfactory system and an accessory olfactory system. The main olfactory system detects airborne substances, while the accessory system senses fluid-phase stimuli.

The senses of smell and taste (gustatory system) are often referred to together as the chemosensory system, because they both give the brain information about the chemical composition of objects through a process called transduction.