I don't know about you, but whenever I smell certain things(for instance, burning leaves), it brings back memories and atmospheres that none of my other sences ever could. Does anyone else agree with me? Any other smells that do this? Why does this happen?
2007-03-06 13:55:03 · 7 answers · asked by musicmaster890 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Thanks for the question. I never thought about this. I did check out that website mentioned by 'its_just...'
We can use this to our advantage, especially those of us in school or just trying to learn things...
Want to remember something?..
Smell your armpit!
Studying for a test?
Smell your armpit!
That girl gives you her number but you don't have a pen and paper? You got it - SMELL YOUR ARMPIT!
Peace,
Earf!
2007-03-13 20:22:08 · answer #1 · answered by TzodEarf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our brains are wired differently for smell than our other senses. Our smell sense is in a different area of the brain, and it's thought to be more "primal" -- perhaps it had a use in our early stages so we could sense danger and such. It bypasses the language area, and goes right to less "rational" brain.
There are still days when I sense I'm back in Paris, because something smells like the Metro.
2007-03-06 22:01:28 · answer #2 · answered by emmesokol57 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The brain has certain receptors that are attached to certain smells being connected with certain memories, even ones we have no recollection of.
2007-03-12 23:49:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best theory i've heard is that the "smell center" in your brain is located adjacent to the amygdala, which is responsible for memory!
2007-03-13 18:28:15 · answer #4 · answered by arismama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i never had a smeel. whats it look like.
2007-03-13 15:26:00 · answer #5 · answered by J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.macalester.edu/psychology/whathap/UBNRP/Smell/memory.html
That website describes the whole psychological phenomenon. I definitely know what you're talking about. :)
2007-03-06 21:58:50 · answer #6 · answered by its_just_sweet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what's smeel?
2007-03-06 22:10:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋