Olfactory nerve
Olfactory Nerve
The olfactory nerve, also known as cranial nerve I, is the first of twelve cranial nerves and is instrumental in the sense of smell. The term "olfactory" comes from the Latin "olfactare", to smell.
Pronunciation
Olfactory nerve is pronounced as ol·fac·to·ry nerve.
Etymology
The term "olfactory" is derived from the Latin word "olfactare", which means "to smell". The term "nerve" comes from the Latin "nervus", meaning "sinew, tendon, nerve".
Function
The olfactory nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information related to smell from the nose to the brain. It is the shortest of the twelve cranial nerves and only one of two cranial nerves (the other being the optic nerve) that do not join with the brainstem.
Related Terms
- Cranial nerves: The twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain, not the spinal cord, of which the olfactory nerve is the first.
- Optic nerve: The second cranial nerve, responsible for vision.
- Nose: The organ of the face responsible for smell and breathing.
- Brain: The organ of the body in the head that controls functions, movements, sensations, and thoughts.
- Brainstem: The part of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord and controls many basic functions.
See Also
- Olfaction: The sense or act of smelling.
- Neuroanatomy: The study of the structure and organization of the nervous system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Olfactory nerve
- Wikipedia's article - Olfactory nerve
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