Which system is responsible for processing smells through the stimulation of receptor cells in the nasal passages?

The olfactory system is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to process smells, also known as olfaction. This system involves the detection of airborne chemical molecules by receptor cells located in the nasal passages, which then transmit this sensory information to the brain for interpretation.

When you inhale, odor molecules bind to olfactory receptors that are specialized to recognize different chemical compositions. This signals the olfactory bulb, a part of the brain that processes the information, leading to the perception of scents. The olfactory system plays a crucial role in how we experience the world around us, influencing taste and even emotional responses associated with certain smells.

The other systems mentioned are not involved in the processing of smells. The auditory system deals with sound perception, the gustatory system is concerned with taste, and the visual system processes visual stimuli. Each of these systems has distinct functions and anatomical structures tailored to their respective sensory modalities.