Olfactory receptor
Olfactory Receptor
Olfactory receptors (pronunciation: ol-fak-tuh-ree ree-sep-tuhrs), also known as ORs, are proteins that bind odor molecules which result in a neural response that is interpreted by the brain as a distinct smell. They are located on the olfactory sensory neurons within the olfactory epithelium.
Etymology
The term "olfactory" comes from the Latin "olfactus", past participle of "olfacere" which means "to smell". The term "receptor" is derived from the Latin "receptus", past participle of "recipere" which means "to receive".
Function
Olfactory receptors are responsible for the detection of odor molecules. This detection triggers a neural response that is transmitted to the brain for interpretation. Each olfactory receptor neuron expresses only one type of olfactory receptor protein and each receptor can detect a limited number of odorant substances. The combination of olfactory receptors that are activated determines the perception of different smells.
Related Terms
- Olfactory Bulb: The olfactory bulb is a structure of the vertebrate forebrain involved in olfaction, the perception of odors.
- Olfactory Epithelium: The olfactory epithelium is a specialized epithelial tissue inside the nasal cavity that is involved in smell.
- Olfactory System: The olfactory system is the sensory system used for smelling. It includes the olfactory epithelium and the olfactory bulb.
- Odorant: An odorant is a substance that gives off a smell, particularly one that is volatile enough to be detected by the olfactory system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Olfactory receptor
- Wikipedia's article - Olfactory receptor
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