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Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

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 Pathway

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...

Olfaction

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...

The Pituitary Gland

The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.

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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

[Olfactory function after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery].

M Morrison, S Momjian, H Friedrich

Revue Medicale Suisse

|November 25, 2014

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Transnasal, transseptal, and transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is generally safe for olfactory function. While most patients maintain smell, a small percentage experience decreased olfactory function post-surgery.

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Published on: February 23, 2014

Area of Science:

Otorhinolaryngology
Neurosurgery
Endocrinology

Context:

Transnasal, transseptal, and transsphenoidal surgery is the primary surgical approach for pituitary adenomas.
Intranasal structures, including olfactory pathways, are at risk during this procedure.

Purpose:

To investigate the impact of transnasal, transseptal, and transsphenoidal surgery on olfactory function.
To assess olfactory scores in patients before and three months after pituitary surgery.

Summary:

Olfactory function was evaluated in 67 patients undergoing transnasal, transseptal, and transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.
Mean olfactory scores remained consistent between preoperative and postoperative assessments.
A notable decrease in olfactory function was observed in 7% of patients individually.

Impact:

Transnasal, transseptal, and transsphenoidal surgery demonstrates a relatively safe profile concerning olfactory function preservation.
Highlights the importance of monitoring individual olfactory outcomes despite overall stable group scores.