verelõhna
verelõhna is an Estonian word that translates to "blood scent" or "smell of blood". It refers to the olfactory perception of blood, a distinct aroma that can be detected by various animals and, to a lesser extent, by humans. This scent is primarily caused by the presence of iron in hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. When blood is exposed to air, the iron in hemoglobin oxidizes, creating a metallic odor often described as coppery or even slightly sweet.
The ability to detect verelõhna plays a crucial role in the survival of many species. Predators, for
The scientific study of olfaction, including the perception of blood scent, is an ongoing area of research.