olfaction

What is the primary function of olfactory neurons?

To detect and transmit information about smells.

How many olfactory receptor neurons are present in the human nasal cavity?

Approximately 40 million olfactory receptor neurons.

What is the role of the mitral cells in the olfactory system?

Mitral cells synapse with olfactory neurons and transmit signals to the brain.

What structure do olfactory nerves pass through to reach the brain?

The cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone.

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for the perception of smell?

The primary olfactory cortex (Piriform cortex).

What is anosmia?

The partial or complete loss of the sense of smell.

What are common causes of anosmia?

Infections, nasal polyps, inflammation, and age-related degeneration.

What is the relationship between taste and smell?

Taste is significantly influenced by smell, with smell accounting for about 80% of taste perception.

What is the function of the olfactory bulb?

To process and relay olfactory information from the olfactory receptor neurons to the brain.

What is the role of the orbitofrontal cortex in the olfactory system?

It integrates smell with reward processing.

What is parosmia?

A distorted sense of smell, often resulting in unpleasant odors.

What can cause parosmia?

Damage or improper regeneration of olfactory sensory neurons and their axons.

How does age affect the sense of smell?

Loss of smell becomes more common with age, particularly after 40, and is associated with conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

What is the management for anosmia?

Treating the underlying cause, which may resolve the condition.

What are tufted cells in the olfactory system?

Cells that also synapse with olfactory neurons and contribute to olfactory processing.

What is the function of the glomerulus in the olfactory system?

It is a structure where olfactory sensory neurons converge and synapse with mitral and tufted cells.

What is the significance of the olfactory tract?

It carries olfactory information from the olfactory bulb to various brain regions.

What brain regions are involved in emotion and memory integration related to smell?

The amygdala and parahippocampal gyrus.

What is the role of cilia in olfactory neurons?

Cilia trap odor molecules and facilitate their detection by olfactory receptors.

What is the process of olfactory transduction?

The conversion of odorant molecules into electrical signals by olfactory receptors.