Study for the ISSA Nutritionist Exam with confidence. Engage with targeted questions and interactive tools that enhance your understanding of nutrition concepts. Prepare effectively for your certification and elevate your career!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which organ system in humans is primarily used for smelling?

  1. Digestive system

  2. Nervous system

  3. Olfactory system

  4. Respiratory system

The correct answer is: Olfactory system

The olfactory system is the organ system primarily responsible for the sense of smell in humans. It consists of specialized sensory neurons located in the nasal cavity that detect odor molecules in the air. When these neurons are stimulated by specific chemicals, they send signals to the brain where the perception of smell is processed. This system plays a crucial role not only in detecting scents but also in influencing taste and triggering memories and emotions associated with particular smells. The other systems mentioned contribute to different functions: the digestive system is involved in processing food, the nervous system facilitates communication and control within the body, and the respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and expulsion of carbon dioxide. While the nervous system and respiratory system may have overlapping interactions with the olfactory system, they do not specifically designate the capability for smell.