Doctor Column

Fifteen Facts about the Olfactory Nerve — The Sense of ‘Smell’ August 31, 2016 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD The sense of smell is often downplayed compared to the other special senses such as vision or hearing. But the Olfactory nerve, smell nerve, is an important factor in the quality of our life. It gives us pleasure, plays a role in nutrition and is our early warning system against danger, such as rancid food or a gas leak. Below are facts about the Olfactory nerve. Taste and smell — the olfactory nerve & the five senses July 20, 2016 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Taste and smell are connected in more ways than we realize. Eighty percent of what we taste is related to the sense of smell. There is virtually no flavor to food or beverages without the sense of smell. This article emphasizes the actions of the Olfactory nerve, i.e. the smell nerve, how it contributes to the enjoyment of food and drink, how it protects us from harmful irritants and how it enhances the quality of our life. Taste and smell — the five tastes July 13, 2016 Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD Our ancestors understood that certain foods or odors were dangerous and must be avoided. Today we still use the sensations of taste and smell as warning signals to avoid problems.