Olfactory receptor cells are neurons, and send axons directly into the central nervous system. The supporting cells do not pass information - they produce mucus. Basal cells are the source of new olfactory receptor cells, which grow, die and regenerate over a period of 4 to 8 weeks.

Small molecules present in the air become dissolved in the mucus lining the nasal cavity. Olfactory receptor cells send dendrites up to the mucus layer. Cilia extend into the mucus, where odorants can bind to the surface and activate the olfactory receptor cells. Olfactory receptor cells send unmyelinat

Smells also inform us of our surroundings. If your driving down the road and you smell the fowl scent of skunk you can anticipate that a skunk is nearby. If you are walking in the woods and smell the fresh scent of clover you're probably close to a pasture. Smells also affect how we act, the things we say, and the expressions on our faces. If a kid in class stinks of body odor you'll probably choose to avoid him or her. If someone farts you'll probably get an alarming look on your face and say pew. However, if that boy across the room smells of lucky you, a wonderful perfume, you'll probably choose to compliment him and perhaps ask him out. So, as you can see much of what we do depends on smell.

This article continues to leave the questions in mind. How does the olfactory cortex decode the map provided by the olfactory bulb? How does the cortex prompt the ra

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