Olfaction and the Chemical Senses

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the olfactory system, taste perception, and the chemical senses as discussed in Chapter 16 of the provided notes.

Olfaction

The sense of smell, involving the detection and processing of odor molecules.

Gustation

The sense of taste, primarily involving the identification of flavors through taste buds.

Chemical Senses

Sensory systems that respond to chemical stimuli, including smell (olfaction) and taste (gustation).

Olfactory Bulb

A neural structure that processes olfactory information received from the olfactory receptor neurons.

Recognition Profiles

Patterns of activation of olfactory receptors that help in coding different odors.

Mucosa

The tissue lining the nasal cavity involved in the detection of odors via olfactory receptors.

Proust Effect

The phenomenon in which smell can trigger significant memories or recall of past experiences.

Macrosmatic

Referring to animals with a highly developed sense of smell, crucial for survival.

Microsmatic

Referring to humans, who have a less acute sense of smell that is not critical for survival.

Calcium imaging method

A technique used to measure responses of olfactory receptor neurons based on calcium concentration changes.

Threshold Detection

The lowest concentration of a substance that can be detected by the sensory system.

Olfactory Receptor Neurons (ORN)

Specialized neurons that detect odorants in the olfactory mucosa.

Combinatorial Code

A coding method where the combination of activated olfactory receptors determines the perception of a particular odor.

Signal Transduction

The process by which odor molecules are converted into an electrical signal in the olfactory system.

Amygdala

A brain region involved in emotional responses to odors.