Answer:
Okay, here is a step-by-step description of how your nervous system detects the smell of breakfast and activates a response:
Odor molecules in the air bind to odor receptors in your nose, specifically olfactory sensory neurons. These are chemoreceptor cells that detect chemical stimuli.
The olfactory sensory neurons transmit nerve impulses to the olfactory bulb in the brain. These impulses travel along axons, which are long projections of neurons that act as wires to transmit electrical and chemical signals.
The olfactory bulb then relays the signals to other parts of the brain involved in smell processing and generating a response, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system, and cortex.
In the hypothalamus and limbic system, the smell is recognized as the pleasant aroma of breakfast food. This stimulates hunger and prompts the desire to find the source.
Impulses from the limbic system and cortex activate motor neurons that control your muscles and movements. These motor neurons transmit signals down to neurons in your spinal cord and ultimately to muscles and glands.
Muscle contractions result as your body moves toward the smell of breakfast. Increased saliva production also prepares your mouth. Adrenaline may be released to energize you.
Various receptors have been involved at each step: olfactory receptors (chemoreceptors), axons (used by neurons to transmit signals), and potentially adrenoreceptors (for adrenaline). The network of neurons and connections between them propagate the impulse from the nose all the way to the muscles.
Navigation and movement toward breakfast then follows as your brain continues interpreting the smell to direct your steps. More sensory signals from sight, sound and other modalities also guide you to the delicious meal.
Let me know if you have any other questions about how your nervous system detects smells and generates responses! I can also describe this process in different ways if needed.
Step-by-step explanation: