Senses: Smell and Taste Ch. 17-1

Part 1 – Olfaction: Sense of Smell Anatomy 3 types of cells Olfactory receptors – detect the smell and initiate the signal to the brain Supporting cells – provide physical support, nourishment, and insulation for receptors Basal cells – make supporting cells Bowman’s glands Secrete mucus that moistens olfactory area (boogers)

Hyposmia Reduced ability to smell Affects half of people over age 65 and 75% of people over age 80 Women smell better than men, especially during ovulation Smoking can impair the sense of smell

Part 2 – Gustation: Sense of Taste Only 5 primary tastes Sour, sweet, bitter, salty, umami (meaty or savory) all flavors are combinations of these tastes Olfactory and gustatory senses are closely linked – like when you have a cold and food doesn’t taste the same It is your smell that actually isn’t working properly

Gustation Anatomy – p. 470 Taste bud – oval body consisting of cells Papillae – covered in taste buds Vallate papillae – 12 very large, circular areas Fungiform papillae – mushroom-shaped elevations scattered over area of tongue Foliate papillae – small trenches on tongue – most taste buds are gone by childhood Filiform papillae – no taste buds – just add friction to tongue making chewing and moving food easier

Taste