Letter O

Olfactory nerve

3 views

A nerve that registers smells by carrying the impulses for the sense of smell from the nose to the brain.

Olfactory nerves continually regenerate -- through all of childhood and adulthood.

The olfactory nerves are the only nerves in the human body known to possess this remarkable capacity for self-renewal.</P> The olfactory nerve is the first cranial nerve.

The cranial nerves emerge from or enter the skull (the cranium), as opposed to the spinal nerves which emerge from the vertebral column.

There are twelve cranial nerves.</P> The word 'olfactory' comes from the Latin 'olfactare', to sniff at and 'olfacere', to smell.

(What the olfactory nerves do is really nothing to sniff at.)

Share this definition

Medical disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice in any way.

  • It does not replace the advice of a physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
  • It does not represent a prescription of drugs, diagnostic exams or therapies.
  • In case of symptoms, doubts or concerns about your health, always consult a qualified physician.

In case of emergency call 911 (US) or 112 (EU).