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Current concepts in olfaction.
1Greater Baltimore Medical Center.
Maryland Medical Journal (Baltimore, Md. : 1985)
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Investigating odorant perception is challenging due to the location of olfactory structures. New techniques like nasal endoscopy and molecular biology are improving our understanding of how we smell.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Olfactory Research
Background:
- The olfactory epithelium and bulb's location hinders direct study of olfactory processes.
- Understanding odorant perception has been historically difficult.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the events involved in odorant perception.
- To explore the transduction of olfactory information.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive nasal endoscopy
- Reproducible olfactory testing
- Molecular biologic techniques
Main Results:
- Recent advancements have enabled better evaluation of olfactory processes.
- Specific events in odorant perception are being identified.
Conclusions:
- New methodologies are significantly advancing the study of olfaction.
- Improved understanding of odorant perception is now achievable.