Olfactory epithelium
Olfactory Epithelium
The olfactory epithelium is a specialized epithelial tissue inside the nasal cavity that is involved in smell. In humans, it measures about 1 square centimeter (on each nasal septum) and lies on the roof of the nasal cavity about 7 cm above and behind the nostrils. The olfactory epithelium is the part of the olfactory system that contains specialized receptor neurons that allow the perception of smell.
Pronunciation
Olfactory: /ɒlˈfæktəri/ Epithelium: /ˌepɪˈθiːliəm/
Etymology
The term "olfactory" is derived from the Latin word 'olfactare' meaning to smell. "Epithelium" comes from the Greek words 'epi' meaning 'on' or 'upon', and 'thelē' meaning 'nipple', referring to its function as a covering or lining.
Structure
The olfactory epithelium consists of three types of cells: olfactory receptor cells, supporting (sustentacular) cells, and basal cells. The olfactory receptor cells are neurons which contain the olfactory receptors. The supporting cells provide metabolic and physical support for the olfactory cells. The basal cells are stem cells capable of dividing and differentiating into either supporting cells or olfactory cells.
Function
The primary function of the olfactory epithelium is the detection of odorants, which are airborne chemicals that are inhaled through the nose. This is achieved through the olfactory receptors on the olfactory receptor cells. These receptors are proteins that bind to odorant molecules, triggering an electrical signal that is sent to the brain for interpretation.
Related Terms
- Olfaction: The sense of smell.
- Olfactory bulb: The structure in the brain that processes sensory information from the olfactory epithelium.
- Olfactory nerve: The nerve that carries signals from the olfactory receptors to the olfactory bulb.
- Olfactory receptor: A protein in the olfactory receptor cells that binds to odorant molecules.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Olfactory epithelium
- Wikipedia's article - Olfactory epithelium
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski