The olfactory system refers to the sensory system responsible for detecting and processing odors. It is comprised of the olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity, which contains specialized receptor cells that detect airborne odor molecules, and the olfactory bulb in the brain, where these sensory signals are processed and interpreted. Research in the olfactory system often focuses on understanding how odor molecules are detected and encoded by the olfactory receptors, how these signals are processed and integrated in the brain to create a perception of smell, and how the olfactory system interacts with other sensory systems and cognitive processes. Additionally, research in the olfactory system also explores how olfactory dysfunction or disorders, such as anosmia (loss of smell) or hyposmia (reduced sense of smell), can impact an individual's quality of life and overall health. Understanding the mechanisms underlying olfactory processing can also have implications for the development of treatments for such disorders.