Why do colds cause us to lose some of our appreciation for the taste of food?
A)The symptoms of colds interfere with the stimuli reaching the taste bud receptors, thus dulling the perception of taste.
B)The symptoms of colds prevent stimuli from reaching olfactory neurons efficiently, thus dulling the perception of taste.
C)Cold viruses raise the firing threshold of olfactory neurons, thus dulling the perception of taste.
D)Cold viruses lower the firing threshold of olfactory neurons, thus dulling the perception of taste.
E)Cold viruses denature olfactory neurons, thus dulling the perception of taste.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of colds, such as congestion and inflammation, can prevent stimuli from reaching olfactory neurons efficiently, which in turn impairs our ability to perceive flavors. The sense of smell plays a large role in our perception of taste, and when it is disrupted due to a cold, our ability to appreciate the taste of food may be diminished.

Why Do Colds Cause Us to Lose Some of Our