Olfactory receptors are specialized proteins located in the nasal cavity that detect odor molecules. When these molecules bind to the receptors, they send signals to the brain, allowing us to perceive different smells. Each receptor is sensitive to specific types of odorants, contributing to our ability to distinguish a wide range of scents. These receptors play a crucial role in the sense of smell, which is also known as olfaction. The information gathered by olfactory receptors is processed in the olfactory bulb of the brain, where it is integrated with other sensory information, influencing our taste and emotional responses.