Neuroscience of Smell
Human beings are bombarded in their daily lives with a variety of sensory data coming from a number of sensory systems in the human body. Many times the input of sensory data can cause a sensorimotor response, or an automatic action on the part of the human body in response to sensory input. In other words, the sight, smell, or sound of something can cause the body to automatically begin an action. For instance, the sight of the police can, in some people, cause an increase in heart rate or perspiration. This in turn can cause a person to undergo a psychological process such as stress, or fear. Certain smells can also elicit a physical response on the part of a person. Aromachology is the study of how certain smells can cause sensor motor responses which in turn stimulate emotional responses on the part of an individual. Researchers have studied the effects of specific odors in the hope that they can be used to increase the health of individuals. Recently I personally experienced a state of emotional happiness as a result of what I believe was the influence of the aroma of baked bread.
After a long and grueling day at work, and an equally long commute home I was in a very bad mood when I entered the grocery store. I didn't want...
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