PSY280H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Olfactory Receptor Neuron, Olfactory Epithelium, Olfactory Receptor
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PSY280H1 Full Course Notes
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Document Summary
Humans have two main chemical detection systems: olfaction (the sense of smell) and gustation (the sense of taste) Orthonasal olfaction: sniffing in and perceiving odors through our nostrils, which occurs when we are smelling something that is in the air. Retronasal olfaction: perceiving odors through the mouth while breathing and chewing. This is what gives us the experience of flavor. Odorant: molecule that is defined by its physicochemical characteristics and that can be translated by the nervous system into the perception of a smell. To be smelled, odorant molecules must be volatile, small, and hydrophobic. Olfactory epithelium contains three types of cells: Olfactory sensory neurons, basal cells, and supporting cells. Supporting cell: provide metabolic and physical support for the olfactory sensory neurons. Basal cell: precursor cells to olfactory sensory neurons. Olfactory sensory neuron (osn): main one, small neurons located within a mucous layer in the epithelium. The cilia on the osn dendrites contain the receptor sites for odorant molecules.
