olfactory system

the primary structures and processes involved in an organism’s detection of and responses to odorants. The olfactory system includes several million olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity, the olfactory epithelium and vomeronasal system, olfactory transduction, neural impulses and pathways (see olfactory nerve), and associated brain areas and their functions.

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Psychology term of the day

November 23rd 2024

risk factor

risk factor

a clearly defined behavior or constitutional (e.g., genetic), psychological, environmental, or other characteristic that is associated with an increased possibility or likelihood that a disease or disorder will subsequently develop in an individual. Compare protective factor.