Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway01:20

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

13.2K
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...
13.2K
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure01:03

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

10.6K
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...
10.6K
Olfaction01:25

Olfaction

40.5K
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...
40.5K
Nose and Nasal Cavity01:24

Nose and Nasal Cavity

17.0K
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...
17.0K
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract01:29

Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract

7.0K
The upper respiratory tract plays a vital role in the respiratory system, comprising several structures that facilitate air intake and prepare air for the lungs. It also serves as the first line of defense against pathogens and particles. This tract includes the nose and nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the pharynx, each with specific functions and features.
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
7.0K
Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy01:19

Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy

5.5K
The cranial nerves are an important part of the complex network of nerves in the human body. These nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for transmitting essential information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, systematically numbered using Roman numerals from I to XII, beginning from the anterior and moving to the posterior of the brain. Each cranial nerve is uniquely identified by names that reflect its function...
5.5K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

The role, evaluation, and effects of comorbidities in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice·2026
Same author

Comparison of Eggshell-derived Calcium Hydroxyapatite and Biodentine as Indirect Pulp-capping Agents in Primary Molars: <i>In Vivo</i> Study.

International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry·2026
Same author

MLL3 and MLL4 sustain hematopoietic stem cell multipotency by opposing a B-cell default state.

Blood·2026
Same author

Hearing/vestibular problems, racial differences, and associations with physical function impairment among breast cancer survivors.

JNCI cancer spectrum·2026
Same author

Associations between greenspace and memory: Evidence from the COMPASS cohort in Chicago.

Environmental research·2026
Same author

Integrating the physical environment into Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias research: A Gateway Exposome Coordinating Center (GECC) agenda on gaps and priorities.

Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 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

9.0K

Olfaction: anatomy, physiology, and disease.

Riddhi M Patel1, Jayant M Pinto

  • 1Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|November 26, 2013
PubMed
Summary

The human olfactory system, though less dominant than in other mammals, is vital for health and behavior, influencing mood, nutrition, and social interactions. Understanding its pathways and dysfunction is crucial due to its significant impact on quality of life.

Keywords:
neurodegenerativeolfactorysensorineural

More Related Videos

Constructing an Olfactometer for Rodent Olfactory Behavior Studies Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
08:36

Constructing an Olfactometer for Rodent Olfactory Behavior Studies Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling

Published on: April 11, 2025

1.1K
In-depth Physiological Analysis of Defined Cell Populations in Acute Tissue Slices of the Mouse Vomeronasal Organ
10:11

In-depth Physiological Analysis of Defined Cell Populations in Acute Tissue Slices of the Mouse Vomeronasal Organ

Published on: September 10, 2016

6.9K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 5, 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

9.0K
Constructing an Olfactometer for Rodent Olfactory Behavior Studies Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
08:36

Constructing an Olfactometer for Rodent Olfactory Behavior Studies Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling

Published on: April 11, 2025

1.1K
In-depth Physiological Analysis of Defined Cell Populations in Acute Tissue Slices of the Mouse Vomeronasal Organ
10:11

In-depth Physiological Analysis of Defined Cell Populations in Acute Tissue Slices of the Mouse Vomeronasal Organ

Published on: September 10, 2016

6.9K

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Physiology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • The olfactory system, despite its evolutionary significance, is less studied in humans compared to other mammals.
  • Olfaction plays crucial roles in hazard detection, pleasure, nutrition, sexuality, mood, kin recognition, mating, and mother-infant bonding.
  • Emerging evidence links olfaction to central nervous system physiology and longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the anatomic pathways of olfaction, from peripheral detection to central processing.
  • To highlight the clinical significance and growing prevalence of olfactory dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on olfactory system anatomy and physiology.
  • Discussion of odorant detection, signal transduction, and central processing pathways.
  • Categorization of olfactory dysfunction (conductive, sensorineural, central).

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of the olfactory pathway: nasal airflow, odorant recognition, signal transduction, and central processing.
  • Olfactory dysfunction is a significant clinical problem with a high burden on quality of life.
  • Prevalence of olfactory dysfunction is expected to increase due to demographic changes and environmental exposures.

Conclusions:

  • The olfactory system is integral to human physiology and behavior, with diverse roles beyond basic senses.
  • Olfactory dysfunction presents a growing public health challenge with substantial impact on patient well-being.
  • Further research into the olfactory system's complexities and clinical implications is warranted.