olfacto

Olfacto is a term associated with the sense of smell. It derives from the Latin olfactus and is used in several languages as a root or stem in words describing olfaction, such as olfact(o)-, olfaction, and olfactory.

In biology, the olfactory system detects volatile odorants. Odorant molecules bind to receptors on olfactory receptor neurons in the nasal epithelium, triggering signaling via G-proteins. Signals are relayed to the olfactory bulb, then to cortical areas including the piriform cortex and orbitofrontal cortex, with limbic connections that influence emotion and memory.

Perception of odors is complex and highly combinatorial; humans can distinguish thousands of odorants. Odor quality and intensity depend on concentration, context, and adaptation, and olfactory perception interacts with other senses such as taste to shape flavor experiences.

Applications and relevance: in medicine, olfacto function is routinely tested; loss of smell (anosmia) or reduced smell (hyposmia) can indicate disease. In industry, olfactometry and sensory analysis support flavor and fragrance development. In neuroscience, olfactory pathways provide insight into memory and emotion, due to strong anatomical links with limbic structures.

Overall, olfacto denotes the biological and linguistic domain of smell, spanning physiology, perception, health, and applied science.