Luktstimuli

Luktstimuli, or olfactory stimuli, are volatile chemical compounds that evoke the sense of smell. In humans, odorants reach the nasal cavity, where they interact with olfactory receptor neurons in the olfactory epithelium.

Receptor binding triggers signal transduction to the olfactory bulb, and from there to cortical areas including the piriform and orbitofrontal cortices. The olfactory system uses combinatorial coding across many receptor types; perception is influenced by context, past experience, and emotion.

Odorants can be single compounds or complex mixtures; their properties are described by intensity, quality, hedonic valence, and duration. Concentration determines detection thresholds and recognition thresholds, with lower concentrations posing detection challenges and higher concentrations potentially triggering adaptation.

Measurement of luktstimuli commonly uses calibrated olfactometry to present known concentrations under controlled conditions. Units include odor units, ppbv, and ppm. Research methods include threshold estimation, discrimination tasks, and rating scales for intensity and hedonic valence.

Individual sensitivity to luktstimuli varies with genetic differences in olfactory receptor genes, age-related changes, and health status. Environmental exposure, cultural background, and language influence odor naming and perceived meaning.

Applications span fragrance and flavor design, food industry, safety testing for environmental odors, and clinical assessment of smell function after illness or injury. Challenges include the subjective nature of odor experience, handling odor mixtures, and standardization across cultures.