Olfactory

What is the primary function of olfactory receptor neurons in the olfactory epithelium?

To transduce chemical signals into action potentials for scent detection.

What are the two main pathways that olfactory information takes to reach the brain?

The direct pathway to the pyriform cortex and the indirect pathway to the thalamus.

What type of receptors do olfactory transduction use?

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs).

How many receptor types do olfactory receptor neurons express?

Each olfactory receptor neuron expresses only one type of receptor.

What is the role of the cribiform plate in olfactory signaling?

It keeps axons going in the right direction toward the olfactory bulb.

What phenomenon explains how we smell with multiple receptors activated?

Population coding.

What is the function of lateral inhibition in the olfactory system?

It enhances the signal at nearby synapses that smell like what's in front of you.

Where are olfactory receptors organized in the olfactory epithelium?

In four distinct zones, with different sets of odorant receptor genes expressed in each zone.

What distinguishes the vomeronasal organ's function from regular olfactory receptors?

It detects pheromones, odor signals secreted by other animals.

Do humans have conclusive evidence of pheromone detection?

No, there is no absolute proof that humans sense pheromones.

What type of synapses do olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) form?

Excitatory synapses that use glutamate.

What are the two types of vomeronasal receptors found in rodents?

V1R and V2R.

What is meant by 'sensory maps' in the context of olfactory coding?

Olfactory bulb maps that represent different scents like banana, citrus, or pineapple.

What is 'temporal coding' in olfactory processing?

Using the temporal order of signals to identify what we are smelling.