Taste and Smell

Question 1

Describe the olfactory tranduction process.

Answer 1

An odorant binds to a receptor which activates G proteins Golf, which activates enzymes that synthesize cyclic AMP. cAMP opens Na+ and Ca2+ channels, causing depolarization triggering action potentials.

Question 2

What two destinations does the olfactory tracts end up?

Answer 2

Olfactory cortext for interpretation and the limbic sustem were memories and emotions with the smell are activated.

Question 3

What are the 3 papillae containing taste buds?

Answer 3

Fungiform, vallate and foliate papillae.

Question 4

What 3 cells make up taste buds?

Answer 4

gustatory epithelial cells, supporting cells and basal epithelial cells.

Question 5

Describe how taste buds are activated.

Answer 5

Binding of the chemical depolarizases the taste cell membrane, initiating a graded depolarizing potential which releases neurotransmitters which activate action potentials in the neurons.

Question 6

What 2 nerves carry taste?

Answer 6

Facial nerve and glossopharyngeal nerve (and some from the vagus nerve)

Question 7

What nerve carrys smell?

Answer 7

The olfactory nerve

Question 8

Where is taste interpreted in the brain.

Answer 8

First to the thalamus, then to the gustatory cortex and hypothalamus and limbic system (memories of taste)