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Related Concept Videos

Olfaction01:25

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...
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure01:03

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...
Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway01:20

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 Cavity01:24

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...
Assessment of the Mouth01:26

Assessment of the Mouth

A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Tooth Anatomy01:21

Tooth Anatomy

The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
10:42

A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function

Published on: July 30, 2017

Olfaction in dentistry.

S M Bromley1, R L Doty

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden, NJ, USA.

Oral Diseases
|September 8, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Most taste disturbances reported by patients are actually smell dysfunctions. This review covers olfactory system anatomy, physiology, and clinical assessment for dental practitioners.

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Use of the Operant Orofacial Pain Assessment Device (OPAD) to Measure Changes in Nociceptive Behavior
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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
10:42

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Published on: July 30, 2017

Combining a Breath-Synchronized Olfactometer with Brain Simulation to Study the Impact of Odors on Corticospinal Excitability and Effective Connectivity
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Combining a Breath-Synchronized Olfactometer with Brain Simulation to Study the Impact of Odors on Corticospinal Excitability and Effective Connectivity

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Use of the Operant Orofacial Pain Assessment Device (OPAD) to Measure Changes in Nociceptive Behavior
12:20

Use of the Operant Orofacial Pain Assessment Device (OPAD) to Measure Changes in Nociceptive Behavior

Published on: June 10, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Oral Medicine
  • Neuroscience
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Patients frequently report taste disturbances to oral medicine practitioners.
  • True taste dysfunction is rare; most perceived 'taste' issues stem from olfactory deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the olfactory system.
  • To discuss clinical assessment methods for olfactory function.
  • To address olfactory disorders in the dental clinic, including etiology, prevalence, and management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of olfactory system anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
  • Discussion of clinical assessment techniques for smell dysfunction.
  • Analysis of olfactory disorders relevant to dental practice.

Main Results:

  • Many 'taste' sensations (e.g., chicken, coffee) rely on olfactory input.
  • Damage to the olfactory system is the primary cause of many reported taste disturbances.
  • Olfactory disorders are common in dental settings.

Conclusions:

  • Dental practitioners must recognize that most taste complaints are linked to smell dysfunction.
  • Clinical assessment and management of olfactory disorders are crucial in oral medicine.
  • Understanding the olfactory system is key to diagnosing and treating taste-related complaints.