Pathophysiology Flashcards
what is taste a synonym for often
“flavor”
What is flavor
combo of: smell taste irritation temperature texture
*smell is most important contributor
When people consumer foods, smell or odor?
BOTH
Lack of smell name
Anosmia
Absence of taste
Ageusia
Decrease in smell
- name
- cause
- Hyposmia
- aging
Decreased sensitivity of taste
- name
- cause
- Hypogeusia
- aging
Distortion of smell
- name
- when often
- Dysosmia
- often in seizures, smell something awful right before seizure
Distortion of taste
- name
- two common causes
- Dysgeusia
- changing amt of saliva, certain drugs (Flagyl causes metallic taste)
Hyposmia
- how common
- anatomical cause (2)
- 75% >80 yo
- olfactory receptors and bulb fibers decrease with age
- decline in mucous production
why is decrease in mucous production cause of hyposmia
odorous compounds dissolve in mucous, receptors pick up the molecules from the mucous
Turnover rate of olfactory receptors
- Very high - only neurons in the body that divide
- regenerate every 3-7 weeks
- If replacement rate declines (with aging) then overall # of receptor bearing olfactory neurons is decreased
why get used to a smell?
odors dissolve in mucous which is constantly moved along by cilia, if the odor molecules no longer present, the odor is removed!
how specific are olfactory receptors?
VERY - for specific molecules
Changes in sense of smell
- women generally more sensitive, esp around ovulation
