taste and smell & hearing and balance

Olfactory Epithelium

A structure in the superior nasal cavity containing olfactory sensory neurons that detect odor molecules.

Olfactory Sensory Neurons (OSNs)

Bipolar neurons in the olfactory epithelium that detect odors and initiate signal transduction.

Supporting Cells

Cells in the olfactory epithelium that provide structural and metabolic support, detoxify harmful substances.

Basal Cells

Stem cells in the olfactory epithelium responsible for regenerating olfactory sensory neurons.

Olfactory Bulb

A brain structure where olfactory sensory neurons synapse with mitral and tufted cells.

Mitral and Tufted Cells

Neurons in the olfactory bulb that relay olfactory signals to the olfactory tract.

Olfactory Tract

A pathway that transmits olfactory signals from the olfactory bulb to various brain areas.

Primary Olfactory Cortex

Includes the piriform cortex, amygdala, and entorhinal cortex, responsible for processing smells.

Gustatory Receptor Cells

Cells in taste buds that detect taste stimuli and transmit signals to cranial nerves.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves involved in taste transmission: Facial nerve (CN VII), Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), Vagus nerve (CN X).

Nucleus of the Solitary Tract (NST)

A medullary structure where gustatory signals from cranial nerves synapse.

Thalamus

Processes sensory information and relays gustatory signals to the primary gustatory cortex.

Primary Gustatory Cortex

Region in the insula and frontal operculum responsible for consciously perceiving taste.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped organ that converts mechanical vibrations into neural signals for hearing.

Hair Cells

Sensory cells in the cochlea and vestibular system that transduce mechanical energy into neural signals.

Semicircular Canals

Structures in the vestibular system that detect rotational movements and head positioning.

Otolithic Organs

Utricle and saccule that detect linear movements and gravitational forces.

Stereocilia

Hair-like projections on hair cells that bend in response to mechanical movement.

Auditory Nerve (Cochlear Nerve)

Nerve that carries signals from hair cells in the cochlea to the brain for sound perception.

Crista Ampullaris

Structure in semicircular canals containing hair cells that detect rotational movement.

Maculae

Sensory structures in the utricle and saccule that contain hair cells for detecting linear acceleration.

Endolymph

Fluid within the inner ear that moves in response to head movements, stimulating hair cells.

Olfactory Impairment

A decrease in the ability to smell, which can impact taste perception.

Taste Perception Factors

Elements influencing taste preferences, including genetics, age, hormonal influences, and cultural habits.

Transduction

The process by which sensory cells convert stimuli into nerve impulses for the nervous system.