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olfactory bulb
noun
: a bulbous anterior projection of the olfactory lobe that is the place of termination of the olfactory nerves and is especially well developed in lower vertebrates (such as fishes)
Examples of olfactory bulb in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These ultrafine particles can translocate from people’s noses into their brains via the olfactory bulb, Casey said.
—Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2024
The olfactory bulb transmits smell information from the nose to the brain, and is thus necessary for a proper sense of smell.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2019
Smells are processed by the olfactory bulb, a structure located in the front of the brain, before being sent on a direct route to the limbic system — which includes the amygdala and the hippocampus, the regions that regulate emotion and memory.
—Alex Orlando, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2023
Linton sees a loose parallel with what seems to happen in the olfactory system: Humans have around 400 types of receptor proteins lining the membranes of the olfactory bulb in the nose, and these receptors can collectively discriminate vast numbers of odors.
—Quanta Magazine, 16 Sep. 2021
See all Example Sentences for olfactory bulb
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'olfactory bulb.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1851, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Olfactory bulb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/olfactory%20bulb. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
olfactory bulb
noun
: either of two small round structures projecting from the lower surface of the brain above the nasal cavity that transmit stimuli from the olfactory nerves to other areas of the brain for processing
Medical Definition
olfactory bulb
noun
: a bulbous anterior projection of the olfactory lobe that is the place of termination of the olfactory nerves
More from Merriam-Webster on olfactory bulb
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about olfactory bulb
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