Why are olfaction and gustation called chemical senses?
A) Neither one has sensory receptors that respond to molecules in the food we eat or in the air we breathe.
B) Because they are unrelated to biological senses.
C) They have sensory receptors that respond to molecules in the food we eat or in the air we breathe.
D) We cannot use these senses without the presence of specific chemicals in the body.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Olfaction (smell) and gustation (taste) are termed chemical senses because they have sensory receptors specifically designed to detect chemical molecules present in our environment, such as those in food and the air. These receptors translate chemical signals into neural signals that the brain interprets as different smells and tastes.

Why Are Olfaction and Gustation Called Chemical Senses