netter41

Olfactory System: Receptors

NEUROPHYSIOLOGY

A. Distribution of olfactory epitheliui

(blue arei

Cribriform piąte

B. Schrma of scclion through olfactory mucosa

Oibriform piąte — Schwann celi

•Olfactory gland

• Unmyelinated olfactory axons

Basemenl

membranę

Sustentacular

cells

Ertdoplasmic

reticulum

Nucleus

Olfactory cells

Dendrites

• Terminal bars idesmosomes) ■ Olfactory rod fyeside)

FicuRt 2.40 Olfactory Receptors

The sensory cells that make up the olfactory epithelium respond to odorants by depolarizing. Like taste buds, an olfactory celi can respond to morę than one odorant. There are six generał odor quali-ties that can bc sensed: floral, ethereal (e.g., pears), musky. camphor (e.g., eucalyptus), putrid, and pungent (e.g., yinegar, peppermint). Secretions from the olfactory' glands (BowmartS glands) trap odorants as well as remove old odorants so that new scents may be detecled.

51