Smell Receptors: The Hidden Defenders of Your Body
In Smell Receptors: The Hidden Defenders of Your Body, host Harith Iskander explains how our bodies have smell receptors not just in the nose but in surprising places like the kidneys and airways. These receptors help defend us against harmful substances and even assist with healing, especially in the lungs. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Got Science?, a science magazine series that explores and explains science in everyday life.
Lesson Express
Q: Where else in the body besides the nose can we find smell receptors, and what is their purpose?
A: Smell receptors are found in the kidneys and airways, where they help detect harmful substances and protect the body.
Q: How do smell receptors in the lungs help with healing?
A: They detect injuries and start processes that help repair lung tissues.
Q: Why is it helpful for smell receptors to exist in places other than the nose?
A: Having receptors throughout the body allows for quicker detection of dangers and faster responses to keep us healthy.