Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which system of the body is responsible for the sense of smell?

1. Olfactory

2. Endocrine

3. Circulatory

4. Nervous

The correct answer is: Olfactory

The olfactory system is the specific part of the body that is responsible for the sense of smell. This system includes the olfactory receptors, which are specialized cells located in the nasal cavity that detect odor molecules. When these receptors are stimulated, they send signals to the olfactory bulb and then to various areas of the brain responsible for processing smells. While the nervous system plays a broader role in processing sensory information, it encompasses many different functions and systems, including the olfactory system. Thus, while the nervous system is involved, the specific part responsible exclusively for the sense of smell is the olfactory system. The endocrine system is responsible for hormone regulation and does not have a direct role in the sense of smell. The circulatory system relates to blood flow and nutrient transport, which also do not pertain to the mechanics of smell detection. Therefore, the olfactory system is correctly identified as the key system responsible for our ability to perceive odors.