【大学受験対策】英語長文問題72（嗅覚）351語＋和訳・解答解説

For thousands of years, humans have been fascinated by pleasant smells. Ancient Egyptians used scented oils in religious ceremonies, while Greeks and Romans developed early versions of perfume to display wealth and elegance. Today, the fragrance industry is a global business worth billions of dollars. Yet behind every bottle of perfume or drop of essential oil lies a complex science that explains how invisible molecules can powerfully affect our minds and bodies.

At the heart of this science is the human sense of smell. When a person inhales, odor molecules travel into the nose and reach the olfactory receptors. These receptors send signals to the brain’s limbic system, which is closely connected to memory and emotion. This explains why the scent of fresh bread might suddenly remind someone of their grandmother’s kitchen, or why a whiff of a certain flower can bring back forgotten feelings. Unlike sight or hearing, the sense of smell has a direct pathway to emotional centers in the brain, which makes it particularly powerful.

Perfumers, often called “noses,” use this knowledge to design complex mixtures of scents. A typical perfume consists of three layers: top notes, middle notes, and base notes. The top notes, such as citrus or mint, are light and disappear quickly. The middle notes, often floral or fruity, create the main impression of the fragrance. Finally, the base notes, like vanilla or musk, last the longest and provide depth. Creating the right balance requires both artistic creativity and scientific precision, since even a small change in one ingredient can alter the entire effect.

Beyond luxury, scent also plays an important role in health and well-being. Aromatherapy, which uses essential oils from plants, is believed to reduce stress, improve sleep, and even relieve pain. While some claims still need more scientific evidence, research has shown that certain scents, like lavender, can lower heart rate and promote relaxation. In hospitals, studies suggest that pleasant smells may help patients feel calmer before surgery. Whether through perfume or aromatherapy, the science of scents continues to reveal how something invisible can influence human behavior, emotions, and even physical health.

Q1. What best explains why certain smells suddenly evoke vivid memories?

1. Smell signals reach brain areas tied to memory and feelings.
2. People memorize smells consciously during early childhood learning phases.
3. Airborne molecules are stored inside the nose as lasting records.
4. Vision and hearing send stronger emotional messages than smells.

Q2. Which statement best summarizes key insights about fragrances and health?

1. Perfumes blend changing notes, while certain aromas can reduce stress.
2. Top notes last longest and provide depth to therapeutic oils.
3. Perfumers avoid small changes because mixtures rarely shift overall character.
4. Research concludes aromatherapy benefits are fully proven for all scents.

Q3. Which statement is NOT supported by the passage?

1. Base notes linger longest, giving a perfume depth and warmth.
2. Fragrance production draws on complex science behind unseen molecules.
3. Smell uses a slower, indirect route compared with hearing.
4. Scents can unexpectedly revive emotions linked to earlier life experiences.