Only the Nose Knows

The Nose-Brain Connection

Many people view toxins in their environment as always being out around them, but never being able to enter their body. They may acknowledge that when they breathe, eat or touch toxins that some toxins may enter their body. Often the belief is held that although the toxins may enter the bloodstream, they won't be able to enter the brain, due to the blood-brain barrier.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a membrane composed of endothelial cells packed very tightly in the brain capillaries. This restricts passage of some substances and
protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood stream. It is structured to allow the nutrients required by the brain to pass through, but keeps toxic substances out of the brain. However, stress, some drugs, infections, and toxins can weaken or break down that blood-brain barrier so that toxins are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain and the nervous system.

Most people are unaware that there is another avenue through which toxic chemicals can have direct access to the brain and nervous system. This other avenue is the nose-brain connection. There is no blood-brain barrier between the nose and the brain. This layer of protection is not available when we inhale toxic chemicals that are part of our everyday experience.

The olfactory and trigeminal nerves provide a connection between the brain and the outside environment. These nerves, which are involved in sensing odors and chemicals, descend down into the nose. Toxic chemicals can enter the brain by traveling along their neural pathways.

This neural connection between the nasal mucosa and the brain means that what we inhale has direct access to our brain and the rest of our nervous system.


Smell, the nose, and the brain
The Taste Science Laboratory "About Taste:from tongue to nose to brain

http://www.tastescience.com/abouttaste2.html

Molecules of the food you are eating move through the back of the throat and reach olfactory nerve endings in the roof of the nose. The molecules bind to these nerve endings, which then signal the olfactory bulb to send smell messages to two critical parts of the brain.

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And just what does all this bioscience have to do with 'writing'?

Just think how much impact a writer can have on the mind and imagination if the words engulf one in the ancient stench of a place or offer a whiff of frosty fragrance. What if a room reeks of delicious aromas or fills the mind with a bouquet of summer flowers?

Aye, it is impact that the author seeks!

And, there is no better way to create that impact than by applying the senses to the scene. Come along on Saturday with a nosegay of impressive odors to share with the group.