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Related Concept Videos

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway01:20

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

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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.
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Olfaction01:25

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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.
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Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure01:03

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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...
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Neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers within the nervous system, facilitating the communication between neurons. These chemical messengers, varying in function and effect, are critical for sustaining various aspects of neurological health and emotional well-being.
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An Overview of the Endocrine System01:10

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The endocrine system, a complex network of glands, orchestrates physiological balance within the body through the production and secretion of hormones. These hormones are chemical messengers in intercellular communication, acting as conduits between the secretory cells and distant target sites. They traverse the circulatory system by being released into the extracellular fluid, and their impact is specific to cells possessing receptors for a particular hormone.
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Regulation of Hormone Secretion01:19

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Regulation of hormone secretion is a finely tuned orchestration driven by various types of stimuli, encompassing neural, humoral, and hormonal signals. Environmental cues instigate neural stimuli, where action potentials traverse nerve fibers to reach their designated targets. An illustrative scenario is the body's response to stress, wherein the sympathetic nervous system releases epinephrine from the adrenal glands, inducing the well-known 'fight or flight' reaction.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Constructing an Olfactometer for Rodent Olfactory Behavior Studies Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
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Reproductive endocrine influences upon olfactory perception : A current perspective.

R L Doty1

  • 1Smell and Taste Center, Department of Physiology and Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Human Communication School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 19104, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Summary

Olfactory perception in humans is linked to reproductive hormones. Factors like gender, menstrual cycle, and pregnancy significantly influence smell sensitivity.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Psychophysics
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • Reproductive neuroendocrine processes involve complex hormonal signaling.
  • Olfactory function (sense of smell) can be influenced by various physiological states.
  • Understanding the interplay between olfaction and reproduction is crucial for human health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of the relationship between psychophysical measures of olfactory function and reproductive neuroendocrine processes.
  • To synthesize findings from human studies on this topic.
  • To detail the impact of specific factors on olfactory perception.

Main Methods:

  • Review of human studies examining olfactory psychophysics.
  • Analysis of data related to gender, menstrual cycle phase, and pregnancy.
  • Examination of the effects of exogenous gonadal hormone administration.

Main Results:

  • Olfactory perception is demonstrably influenced by reproductive status and hormonal fluctuations.
  • Gender differences in olfactory sensitivity are noted.
  • Changes occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and with hormone administration.

Conclusions:

  • Psychophysical measures of olfaction are sensitive indicators of reproductive neuroendocrine states.
  • Hormonal milieu significantly modulates human olfactory perception.
  • Further research can elucidate specific mechanisms underlying these interactions.