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The term derives from the Neo-Latin anosmia, based on Ancient Greek ἀν- (an-) + ὀσμή (osmḗ 'smell'; another related term, hyperosmia, refers to an increased ability to smell). Some people may be anosmic for one particular odor, a condition known as "specific anosmia". The absence of the sense of smell from birth is known as congenital ...
The sense of smell, or olfaction, [nb 1] is the special sense through which smells (or odors) are perceived. [2] The sense of smell has many functions, including detecting desirable foods, hazards, and pheromones , and plays a role in taste .
In a single sniff, the human sense of smell can distinguish odors within a fraction of a second, working at a level of sensitivity that is “on par” with how our brains perceive color ...
For example, the smell of a particular perfume might remind someone of a loved one, or the scent of freshly baked cookies could evoke childhood memories. Without the sense of smell, individuals with congenital anosmia may miss out on these powerful sensory experiences that enhance and enrich one's emotional lives and memories. [24] [25] [26] [27]
Losing your smell isn't the CAUSE of death, it's more like an early warning sign. WREX : "They believe the decline in the ability to smell is an indicator of some other age-related degeneration ...
Since odor detection may be an indicator that exposure to certain chemicals is occurring, olfactory fatigue can also reduce one's awareness about chemical hazard exposure. Olfactory fatigue is an example of neural adaptation. The body becomes desensitized to stimuli to prevent the overloading of the nervous system, thus allowing it to respond ...
As far as medical advice, Denneny said, "People who have altered smell are at particular risk for not being able to recognize the odor of smoke from fire, gas leaks, toxic chemicals, spoiled food ...
Anosmia is the inability to perceive odor, or in other words a lack of functioning olfaction.Many patients may experience unilateral or bilateral anosmia. A temporary loss of smell can be caused by a blocked nose or infection. In contrast, a permanent loss of smell may be caused by death of olfactory receptor neurons in the nose or by brain injury in which there is damage to the