Nose and Brain

In the picture

1. 1Scent molecules: tiny shapes drifting in the air
2. 2Receptor cavity: a matching pit on a ciliated cell
3. 3Nerve pathway: signals traveling to the brain

Examples

• Smelling bread toasting in a kitchen.
• Noticing soap or perfume on a hand.

Quiz: Nose and Brain (Age 11)

1. 1

   What must happen for a scent molecule to be detected?

   • It must match a receptor shape.
   • It must turn into a nerve signal in the air.
   • It must reach the brain by itself.
2. 2

   What does the brain do with nerve signals from the nose?

   • It turns them into scent molecules.
   • It sends them back out into the air.
   • It turns them into the experience of a smell.
3. 3

   After scent molecules fit into matching spots in the nose, what happens next?

   • The nose creates new scent molecules.
   • The scent molecules travel to the brain.
   • Nerves carry signals to the brain.

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.