The nose contains the olfactory epithelium, which houses specialized sensory neurons responsible for detecting odor molecules. These neurons transmit signals via the olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I) to the brain, where smells are processed. This mechanism is critical for the sense of smell, making the nose the primary organ for olfactory detection. Other organs like the tongue, ear, and eye serve different sensory functions and do not participate in olfaction.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, Richard L. Drake et al., 42nd Edition.