1. Senses: Smell and Taste
Ch. 17-1

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Taste