Question

3rd of the 3 Smell Memory Triggers:
Environment

Answer 1

Memories of places and events can be triggered by specific scents because smells are more novel and specific than what we see. The olfactory system allows us to perceive and recognize different smells, and associate them with long-term memory and emotions. Humans have about 350 olfactory receptor subtypes that work together to sense approximately 10,000 different odors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Smells are more novel or specific than shapes or other things we might see, which is why specific scents are often associated with memories of places and events. The olfactory system in our brains helps us perceive and recognize different smells. It allows us to distinguish between different odorant molecules and associate them with long-term memory and emotions. For example, the smell of food associated with one's birthplace can trigger emotional memories. Humans have about 350 olfactory receptor subtypes that work together to sense approximately 10,000 different odors.