Olfactory bulb: how do aromas influence our emotions?

Smells take us to endearing worlds, especially those related to memory. Through this wonderful sense we not only evoke memories, we also make important decisions in our daily lives. Today we want to highlight an essential part of this sense: the olfactory bulb.

To understand this structure, we will define it, talk about its functions and each of its parts. In addition, we will show you different curious facts associated with the sense of smell. Join us on this journey.

The sense of smell

Smell is a somewhat despised sense. However, on multiple occasions and thanks to it we can identify what is toxic to us. For example, think of a place full of smoke, through smell we could identify that something is happening and check the environment.

In addition to alerting us to potential dangers, Smell intervenes in the decisions we make in our daily lives. For example, when it comes to choosing what clothes we can continue to wear, what places and people we find pleasant, what foods we like, etc.

Aromas can also influence our emotions. There are some that we find so pleasant that they generate well-being. The smells used to increase our feeling of pleasure are so important that they are even studied in the field of Marketing to attract buyers.

What is the olfactory bulb?

According to Bear, Connors & Paradiso, authors of the book Neuroscience, brain exploration, It is a brain structure. It contains a bulbous shape, hence its name. Furthermore, it derives from the telencephalon and is responsible for receiving information from the olfactory receptor neurons.

Besides, We have two bulbs, although it is generally referred to as one. But where is the olfactory bulb located? Each one in a hemisphere of our brain. Also, it connects to the inner part of the nasal passages.

Before going on to learn about the functions of the olfactory bulb, Let’s see that, although it is responsible for capturing odors, this function does not begin thanks to it. The aromas enter through the nasal passages, the nasal mucosa absorbs them and there various neurons transduce the information, and then it passes through the olfactory nerve until it reaches the olfactory bulb.

What are the functions of the olfactory bulb?

In the olfactory bulb, neurons synapse with mitral cells in the glomeruli. a group of neurons in the olfactory bulb, which have diverse activation patterns and will help us distinguish different odor molecules. This activation will depend on the speed with which the substance has been transported, also depending on its compound.

After the information is processed by the glomeruli of the bulb, it will be transmitted to different brain regions. For example, to the primary and secondary olfactory cortex, the orbitofrontal cortex, the hippocampus and the amygdala.

Parts of the olfactory bulb

The olfactory bulb is made up of layers, which can be distinguished according to the type of cells. They are considered five, although up to 7 layers can be found. Let’s see:

glomerular layer. Here are the glomeruli. Furthermore, the synapse is produced according to the perceived stimulus. In fact, the glomeruli will group together so that similar odors are detected by specific neuronal groups.External plexiform layer. In this layer are the interneurons, connecting neurons to each other, and making the lateral inhibition process feasible. In addition, the somata of the tufted cells are found.Mitral cell layer. Here the mitral cells will transmit smell information to the other structures that connect to the medulla. So, it is in this layer where cells receive information from receptors.Inner plexiform layer. The axons of the tuft cells and mitral cells are found. In this layer the captured information is retransmitted.Granule cell layer. It consists of the deepest layer. It is made up of granule cells that help mitral cells connect their dendrites.

The olfactory bulb would be the main center for processing olfactory information. Allows us:

Perceive information about aromas. Distinguish smells. Process information about aromas and relate it to our emotions and memories. Inhibit certain stimuli to be able to focus on one in particular. Capture flavor through its connection with taste. Regulate sexual behavior through the capture of pheromones.

Did you know that our olfactory bulbs are responsible for all of this? Awesome! TRUE? They are so essential in our lives that When any of them are removed, anosmia occurs. (lack of olfactory perception). Now that you know each of its functions, you will have another perspective on the sense of smell.. A sense as important as the others, for our survival, decision making, as well as our emotions, behaviors and memories.

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