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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...
Neurulation01:30

Neurulation

Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
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...
Determination01:51

Determination

During embryogenesis, cells become progressively committed to different fates through a two-step process: specification followed by determination. Specification is demonstrated by removing a segment of an early embryo, “neutrally” culturing the tissue in vitro—for example, in a petri dish with simple medium—and then observing the derivatives. If the cultured region gives rise to cell types that it would normally generate in the embryo, this means that it is specified. In contrast, determination...
Cranial Nerves: Types Part I01:14

Cranial Nerves: Types Part I

Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...

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Analysis of Neural Crest Migration and Differentiation by Cross-species Transplantation
09:03

Analysis of Neural Crest Migration and Differentiation by Cross-species Transplantation

Published on: February 7, 2012

Neural crest and olfactory system: new prospective.

Paolo E Forni1, Susan Wray

  • 1Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-3703, USA.

Molecular Neurobiology
|July 10, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Sensory neurons originate from neural crest and ectodermal placodes. Recent studies suggest neural crest cells contribute to olfactory placodes, challenging historical views on sensory organ development.

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Cell biology

Background:

  • Vertebrate sensory neurons arise from neural crest and ectodermal placodes.
  • Placodes form cranial ganglia and sensory organs like the lens and inner ear.
  • Neural crest cells contribute to various tissues including sensory ganglia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent developmental studies on olfactory placodes (OP).
  • To analyze the contribution of neural crest cells to OP formation.
  • To discuss placodal derivatives and the olfactory system.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent genetic fate-mapping studies in rodents.
  • Analysis of developmental studies on olfactory placodes.
  • Discussion of existing literature on placodes and neural crest contributions.

Main Results:

  • Historically, placodes were considered exclusively non-neural ectodermal.
  • Recent genetic studies indicate neural crest contribution to olfactory and otic placodes.
  • This challenges the traditional understanding of sensory organ progenitor origins.

Conclusions:

  • The origin of sensory neurons is more complex than previously thought.
  • Neural crest cells play a role in olfactory placode development.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand placodal derivatives and the olfactory system.