olfativas

Olfativas is a term used in Romance languages to refer to things related to olfaction, the sense of smell. It is the feminine plural form of the adjective olativo/olfativa, derived from Latin olfactus. In everyday language, it appears in expressions such as notas olfativas (olfactory notes) or capacidades olfativas (olfactory abilities).

In scientific contexts, olfativas describes processes, structures, and functions involved in smell. The olfactory system begins at the olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity, where olfactory receptor neurons detect volatile molecules. Signals pass via the olfactory nerves to the olfactory bulb and then to cortical regions such as the piriform cortex and the amygdala, contributing to perception, memory, and emotion linked to odors. Olfativas traits vary among individuals and can be affected by age, disease, or environmental factors.

In perfumery and flavor science, olfativas is used to describe fragrance and aroma characteristics. Descriptors are organized into families such as citrus, floral, herbal, spicy, woody, and resinous notes. The term also appears in clinical or research contexts as pruebas olfativas or olfactometry, which assess smell function. Distinctions are sometimes made between olfaction via orthonasal (through the nose) and retronasal (from the mouth during eating) routes.

Overall, olfativas functions as a qualifying term for anything pertaining to the sense of smell, with usage that depends on linguistic and disciplinary context.