BioPsy: Finals L2.4 - Olfaction

Olfactory Epithelium

Part of the olfactory sensory system, whose role is to pass along smell sensations to the brain.

Cribiform Plate

A bone that separates the brain and the olfactory epithelium; it transmits the olfactory nerves that carry the sense of smell.

Olfactory Bulb

A bundle of nerves that sends little projection through the cribiform plate into the olfactory epithelium.

Olfactory Receptors

At the end of thousands of cells located at the Olfactory Bulb. They are sensitive to one type of molecules.

Benzene Rings

Related to aromatic or sweet smell.

Olfactory Cortex

The specific part of the brain where the smell is being interpreted.

Pheromones

• A scent that is important for mammals.

• Are chemicals released by an animals that affects the other members of the same species.

Vemoronasal Organ

A set of receptors located near but separate from the olfactory receptors. They are only sensitive to pheromones.

Synesthesia

The experience some people have wherein a stimulation of one sense evokes a perception of that sense and another.

Anosmia

Loss of sense of smell.

Hyposmia

Reduced ability to smell.