Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2001 Jul;44(7):723-726.

Olfactory Lateralization in Humans

• Ye MK
• Choi JW
• Heo WW
• Shin SH
• Sohn JH
• Lee SH

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate differences in olfactory thresholds and odor discrimination between the two sides of the nose in relation to the right hand and the right eye. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Eighty subjects (40 women, 40 men) participated in this study. All were in excellent health without any nasal or health problems. The olfactory function tests designed by Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Reserch Center (CCCRC) were performed.
RESULTS
We found a slight tendency for lower thresholds and better discrimination on the right nostril; this phenomenon was not influenced by the subjects' handedness. However, the left-handers performed better at the right side compared with the left nostril than right-handers and the differences between the two sides of the nose were larger in the left-handers. There were no relationships between the ocular and nasal dominance.
CONCLUSION
The data indicate that olfactory functions exhibit a certain degree of lateralization to the right side.

Keyword

Smell; Laterality; Dominance; Cerebral

MeSH Terms

Connecticut
Discrimination (Psychology)
Female
Functional Laterality
Hand
Humans*
Nose
Odors
Smell