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The world smells different to each nostril

Author

Listed:
  • Noam Sobel

    (Program in Neuroscience, Stanford University)

  • Rehan M. Khan

    (Departments of Psychology)

  • Amnon Saltman

    (Ministry of Environmental Protection)

  • Edith V. Sullivan

    (Program in Neuroscience, Stanford University
    Stanford University)

  • John D. E. Gabrieli

    (Program in Neuroscience, Stanford University
    Departments of Psychology)

Abstract

The flow of air is greater into one nostril than into the other because there is a slight turbinate swelling in one1,2,3. The nostril that takes in more air switches from the left to the right one and back again every few hours4,5,6, but the effect of this switching on the sense of smell has been unclear7,8. Here we show that this difference in airflow between the nostrils causes each nostril to be optimally sensitized to different odorants, so that each nostril conveys a slightly different olfactory image to the brain.

Suggested Citation

  • Noam Sobel & Rehan M. Khan & Amnon Saltman & Edith V. Sullivan & John D. E. Gabrieli, 1999. "The world smells different to each nostril," Nature, Nature, vol. 402(6757), pages 35-35, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:402:y:1999:i:6757:d:10.1038_46944
    DOI: 10.1038/46944
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    Cited by:

    1. Roni Kahana-Zweig & Maya Geva-Sagiv & Aharon Weissbrod & Lavi Secundo & Nachum Soroker & Noam Sobel, 2016. "Measuring and Characterizing the Human Nasal Cycle," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(10), pages 1-28, October.

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