Sense of Smell
Olfactory Organs lie in nasal epithelium mucous membrane total area of olfactory epithelium is less than 1 square inch located in superior portion of nasal cavity - superior nasal conchae - part of nasal septum
Olfactory Epithelium Consists of three types of cells: - olfactory receptors - supporting cells - basal cells
Olfactory Receptors 10 - 100 million lifespan about 30 days
Olfactory Receptors (cont.) bipolar neurons with knob-shaped dendrite at distal end - cilia called olfactory hairs protrude from dendrite - cilia are sites of olfactory transduction respond to chemical stimulation of an odorant molecule single axon projects into olfactory bulb at proximal end
Supporting Cells columnar epithelial cells of mucous membrane lining the nose surround and support olfactory receptors
Basal Cells located around supporting cells stem cells that produce new olfactory receptors (neurons)
Olfactory Glands also called Bowman’s glands within connective tissue that supports epithelium produce mucus - moistens surface of olfactory epithelium - dissolves odorant gasses - continued production clears surface area and prevents continued stimulation by same odor
Physiology of the Sense of Smell
Olfactory Stimulation Primary scents: - floral - pungent - musky - minty - putrid - camphoraceous - etheral
Olfactory Stimulation (cont.) irritating odors also stimulate lacrimal and nasal receptors producing tears and sniffles Example: - onions
Olfaction or Transduction chemical interaction with receptor sites - sodium channels open leading to depolarization which causes action potential in axon leading to olfactory bulb low threshhold - only a few molecules of a substance in the air are necessary to stimulate olfactory receptors
Adaptation decreasing sensitivity to odors occurs rapidly; about 50% in the first second after stimulation and very slowly thereafter even though adaptation to one odor has occurred, sensitivity to other odors remains unchanged
Olfactory Pathway olfactory receptors olfactory nerves olfactory bulbs olfactory tract prepyriform cortex and limbic system frontal lobes