Olfaction Flashcards
what receptors belong to the olfactory senses?
chemoreceptors
what is olfactory epithelium?
specialized cells in superior nasal cavity
what are olfactory neurons?
olfactory receptor cells; modified bipolar neurons
what are chemoreceptors?
detect chemical substances perceived as odors
what’s the life span for olfactory receptor cells?
30-60 days
what are basal cells?
stem cells (divide into a bunch of cells) and continually replace olfactory neurons
what are supporting cells?
columnar cells that surround olfactory neurons
the olfactory signal transmits where?
olfactory nerve – olfactory bulb – olfactory tract
what are odorants?
detected by olfactory neurons
transduction of olfaction in an olfactory neuron
by attaching the odorant, a sodium channel is opened which triggers and action potential
what is the only sensory pathway that bypasses the thalamus?
olfactory tract
what is the function of primary olfactory cortex in olfactory pathway?
responsible for awareness and identification of odor
what is the function of limbic system and hypothalamus in olfactory pathway?
receive info from primary olfactory cortex and evokes emotional and visceral responses to odors
what does the olfactory pathway start with?
olfactory tract
