As I understand it, the olfactory nerve terminates near a memory center of the hippocampus, which means there are some overlapping synapses, but that still doesn’t make specific sense to why the neuronal pathways are interconnected.
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Our sense of smell is closely linked to our memories because the olfactory bulb, which is responsible for processing smells, is located in the same part of our brain as the hippocampus and amygdala, which are involved in memory and emotion. When we smell something, the olfactory receptors in our nose send signals directly to the olfactory bulb, which then sends signals to the hippocampus and amygdala.
Because these areas of the brain are closely linked, when we smell something, it can trigger memories and emotions associated with that smell. This is because the brain creates strong connections between smells and experiences, and when we smell something that we have experienced before, it can activate those memories and emotions.
For example, the smell of freshly baked cookies might remind you of baking cookies with your grandmother when you were a child, or the smell of chlorine might remind you of swimming in a pool during summer vacations. These smells can evoke vivid memories and emotions associated with those experiences, even if they happened many years ago.
In summary, smells are associated with memories because of the close connection between the olfactory bulb, which processes smells, and the hippocampus and amygdala, which are involved in memory and emotion. This connection creates strong associations between smells and experiences, which can trigger memories and emotions when we encounter those smells again.
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