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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Tactile and Chemical Senses01:27

Tactile and Chemical Senses

Tactile senses encompass touch, temperature, and pain, each mediated by specific receptors. Touch receptors detect mechanical energy or pressure against the skin. Sensory fibers from these receptors enter the spinal cord and relay information to the brain stem. Here, most fibers cross over to the opposite side of the brain. The touch information then moves to the thalamus, which projects a map of the body's surface onto the somatosensory areas of the parietal lobes in the cerebral cortex. This...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Real-time In Vitro Monitoring of Odorant Receptor Activation by an Odorant in the Vapor Phase
09:53

Real-time In Vitro Monitoring of Odorant Receptor Activation by an Odorant in the Vapor Phase

Published on: April 23, 2019

Responses to odors in occupational environments.

Pamela H Dalton1, Cristina Jaén

  • 1Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-3308, USA. dalton@monell.org

Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|February 18, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Airborne chemicals and irritants in the workplace negatively impact worker health and productivity. Addressing indoor air quality and psychosocial factors is crucial for managing building-related symptoms and chemical intolerance.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Real-time In Vitro Monitoring of Odorant Receptor Activation by an Odorant in the Vapor Phase
09:53

Real-time In Vitro Monitoring of Odorant Receptor Activation by an Odorant in the Vapor Phase

Published on: April 23, 2019

Vertical T-maze Choice Assay for Arthropod Response to Odorants
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Published on: February 14, 2013

Controlled Odor Mimic Permeation Systems for Olfactory Training and Field Testing
05:54

Controlled Odor Mimic Permeation Systems for Olfactory Training and Field Testing

Published on: January 28, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Occupational Medicine
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Airborne chemicals causing odor and irritation can hinder workforce productivity and health.
  • Symptoms can occur even in individuals without pre-existing chemical sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of airborne chemicals, odors, and irritants on occupational health.
  • To explore the relationship between indoor air quality, psychosocial factors, and building-related symptoms.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of using pleasant odors to improve workplace mood and productivity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on odor and irritant-induced symptoms in occupational settings.
  • Analysis of the role of indoor air quality and psychosocial factors.
  • Assessment of research on workplace odor interventions.

Main Results:

  • Poor indoor air quality combined with psychosocial factors contributes to building-related complaints and exacerbates chemical intolerance.
  • Current research does not support the use of pleasant odors to enhance workplace productivity or mood.

Conclusions:

  • Managing worker responses to workplace odors and irritants is essential for health and well-being.
  • Harmonizing occupational exposure limits by regulatory bodies is urgently needed.
  • Effective risk communication and worker education are vital to prevent misperceptions of risk and associated illness.