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Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...

Olfaction

Olfaction

The sense of smell is achieved through the activities of the olfactory system. It starts when an airborne odorant enters the nasal cavity and reaches olfactory epithelium (OE). The OE is protected by a thin layer of mucus, which also serves the purpose of dissolving more complex compounds into simpler chemical odorants. The size of the OE and the density of sensory neurons varies among species; in humans, the OE is only about 9-10 cm2.
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

Humans detect odors with the help of specialized cells located in the upper part of the nasal cavity, called olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). ORNs possess hair-like structures called cilia, which are receptive to sensations from the inhaled air. When an odorant molecule binds to a specific receptor on the cell of the cilia, it leads to a series of events that ultimately cause the ORN to send electrical signals to the olfactory bulb in the brain through the olfactory nerves.
The olfactory...

Nose and Nasal Cavity

Nose and Nasal Cavity

The nose is composed of an observable exterior segment (external nose) and an internal segment within the skull known as the nasal cavity (internal nose). The external nose, visible on the face, consists of a framework of bone and hyaline cartilage enveloped in skin and muscle and lined with a mucous membrane. This structure is supported by the frontal bone, nasal bones, and maxillary bone and is supplemented by a cartilaginous framework comprising the septal nasal cartilage, lateral nasal...

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...

Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts

Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts

The respiratory zone of the human body, which stands in contrast to the conducting zone, comprises the structures that actively participate in the exchange of gases. The initiation of this zone is marked by the terminal bronchioles converging into respiratory bronchioles, the tiniest bronchiole classification. The respiratory bronchioles give way to the alveolar ducts that opens into a congregation of alveoli. Actively involved in gas exchange, alveoli resemble tiny sacs similar to clusters of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Isolating Nasal Olfactory Stem Cells from Rodents or Humans

Isolating Nasal Olfactory Stem Cells from Rodents or Humans

Published on: August 22, 2011

The human olfactory mucosa.

Pedro Alberto Escada¹, Carlos Lima, José Madeira da Silva

¹Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. epedroalbertoescada@gmail.com

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology : Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

|August 29, 2009

Summary

Human olfactory mucosa research reveals its potential as an early marker for neurodegenerative diseases and a source for neural stem cells in regenerative medicine. Safe harvesting techniques are crucial for preserving olfactory function.

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An Effective Manual Deboning Method To Prepare Intact Mouse Nasal Tissue With Preserved Anatomical Organization

An Effective Manual Deboning Method To Prepare Intact Mouse Nasal Tissue With Preserved Anatomical Organization

Published on: August 10, 2013

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Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Isolating Nasal Olfactory Stem Cells from Rodents or Humans

Isolating Nasal Olfactory Stem Cells from Rodents or Humans

Published on: August 22, 2011

An Effective Manual Deboning Method To Prepare Intact Mouse Nasal Tissue With Preserved Anatomical Organization

An Effective Manual Deboning Method To Prepare Intact Mouse Nasal Tissue With Preserved Anatomical Organization

Published on: August 10, 2013

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Regenerative Medicine
Otolaryngology

Background:

The human olfactory mucosa is increasingly studied for its diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
It serves as an early indicator for neurodegenerative conditions and a source of multipotent neural stem cells.
Tissue harvesting requires safe, effective, and reliable methods to preserve olfactory function.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current knowledge on human olfactory mucosa.
To highlight its applications in neurodegenerative disease diagnosis and regenerative medicine.
To emphasize the anatomical distribution of olfactory mucosa within nasal cavities.

Main Methods:

Literature review of key studies on human olfactory mucosa.
Analysis of research focusing on diagnostic markers and stem cell potential.
Examination of anatomical distribution and safe tissue harvesting techniques.

Main Results:

Olfactory mucosa can serve as an early biomarker for brain neurodegenerative diseases.
It is a viable source for multipotent neural stem cells for regenerative medicine.
Understanding the distribution within nasal cavities is key for safe and effective tissue sampling.

Conclusions:

The human olfactory mucosa holds significant promise for early disease detection and therapeutic applications.
Further research into safe harvesting and stem cell potential is warranted.
Anatomical knowledge is critical for clinical applications involving olfactory mucosa.