What is primarily involved in the olfactory system?

The primary function of the olfactory system is to identify molecules in the air, which is essential for the sense of smell. This system includes specialized sensory receptors located in the nasal cavity that detect and respond to various chemical substances. When odor molecules bind to these receptors, they trigger a series of neural signals that are transmitted to the brain for processing, allowing us to perceive and distinguish different smells. This ability to detect airborne molecules is critical for various biological functions, including foraging for food, avoiding predators, and engaging in social interactions.

This distinction is important because the other options, while they pertain to different sensory systems, do not relate to the olfactory system. Sound wave detection is associated with the auditory system, transmission of light signals involves the visual system, and control of auditory signals pertains to the processing of sound in the brain, none of which are involved in olfactory function.