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Sense of Smell: Olfactory
(Chemoreceptors)
Located on the roof of the nasal cavity covering the superior nasal conchae
We distinguish at least 10,00 chemicals
I). Anatomy
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A). Olfactory receptor cells with cilia
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B). Supporting cells: produce mucus to capture and dissolve airborne odor molecules.
C) Basal cells
II). Physiology of smell
A). Odor must be volatile (gaseous state) and water soluble.
B). Chemicals bind to protein receptors and open ion channels.
C). Synapse in the distal end of the olfactory tracts.
D). Signals are integrated at the glomeruli and the mitral cells.
Only highly excitable olfactory impulses are transmitted resulting in olfactory adaptation.
E). Impulse from olfactory to the thalamus to the olfactory cortex of the frontal lobe.
Also to the limbic system eliciting an emotional response. (ie. Danger, safety, etc)
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