Word parts
olfact smell-ory relating to
What it means
Describes the parts of the body that sense smells. The olfactory nerve, the first cranial nerve (CN I), carries smell signals from the top of the nose to the brain. Loss of smell (anosmia) can follow a cold, COVID-19, a head injury or some brain diseases, and it often comes with aging. It also dulls taste and appetite.
For the nurse
To test CN I, have the client close the eyes and block one nostril, then name a familiar smell such as coffee or peppermint. Teach a client who has lost the sense of smell to use smoke and gas detectors and to check food dates.
Related terms
cranial nerve
One of the 12 pairs of nerves that come straight from the brain and brainstem rather than the spinal cord.