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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Physical Properties of Amines01:26

Physical Properties of Amines

Amines with low molecular weight are usually gaseous at room temperature, while those with high molecular weight are liquid or solids in nature. Usually, low molecular weight amines have a rotten fish-like smell. Diamines typically have a pungent smell. For instance, cadaverine and putrescine, depicted in Figure 1, are two molecules responsible for decaying tissue.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Studying the Effects of Inhaled Environmental Pollutants on Olfactory Function in Mice
04:00

Studying the Effects of Inhaled Environmental Pollutants on Olfactory Function in Mice

Published on: September 13, 2024

Does the nose know? Amitraz poisoning and olfaction.

Andy Parrish, Ruth Lancaster

    South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
    |April 3, 2012
    PubMed
    Summary

    Distinguishing between amitraz and organophosphate poisoning is crucial as initial symptoms overlap. A distinctive

    Area of Science:

    • Toxicology
    • Clinical Medicine
    • Emergency Medicine

    Background:

    • Amitraz and organophosphate poisonings present with similar clinical signs, complicating diagnosis.
    • Reduced serum pseudocholinesterase levels indicate organophosphate toxicity but offer no diagnostic aid for amitraz poisoning.
    • A unique odor associated with amitraz poisoning requires further investigation for diagnostic utility.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the diagnostic potential of a specific odor in differentiating amitraz from organophosphate poisoning.
    • To assess the ability of healthcare professionals to recognize the odor associated with amitraz poisoning.
    • To determine if odor identification can lead to earlier diagnosis and management of these poisonings.

    Main Methods:

    • A blinded, controlled trial was conducted involving healthcare workers.

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  • Participants were tasked with distinguishing between the odors of amitraz and organophosphate.
  • The study assessed the accuracy and reliability of odor-based differentiation.

    • Main Results:

    • A significant majority (83%) of healthcare workers correctly distinguished between amitraz and organophosphate odors.
    • The confidence interval for this finding was 95% (63% to 93%).
    • The characteristic 'mothball-like' odor was identified as a potential diagnostic clue.

    Conclusions:

    • Odor identification is a promising, simple bedside tool for differentiating amitraz and organophosphate poisoning.
    • Increased awareness of this olfactory diagnostic component can facilitate earlier recognition of potentially fatal poisonings.
    • Further integration of sensory examination in clinical practice is recommended for toxicological emergencies.