Connecting olfaction to autonomic nervous system
Airflow passing through the nasal cavity modulates large-scale brain activity, and this effect is mediated and conveyed through the olfactory pathway, whose receptors are also mechanosensitive.
Odors rapidly modulate respiration though both their chemical properties and most importantly their perceived and associated meaning.
Odors also act more broadly on the autonomic nervous system in a multimodal manner via both the olfactory and trigeminal systems.
The olfactory system represents a key gateway to the autonomic nervous system and, therefore, to well-being.
The nasal cavity functions as a sensory hub activated by airflow and/or olfactory stimuli, acting as a genuine external entry point for influencing our internal state.
https://www.cell.com/trends/neurosciences/fulltext/S0166-2236(26)00164-5
https://sciencemission.com/olfaction-to-autonomic-nervous-system
