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Related Concept Videos

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure01:03

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

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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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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...
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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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Aging01:26

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Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
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Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
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Related Experiment Video

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Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice
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Olfaction and Aging: A Mini-Review.

Johannes Attems1, Lauren Walker, Kurt A Jellinger

  • 1Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Gerontology
|May 14, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Smell dysfunction is common in older adults, impacting well-being and safety. Reduced sense of smell may signal early neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Neuroscience
  • Sensory Science

Background:

  • Decreased olfactory function affects over 50% of individuals aged 65-80 and 62-80% of those over 80.
  • Smell dysfunction negatively impacts physical well-being, quality of life, nutrition, safety, and is linked to increased mortality.
  • Age-related olfactory loss stems from factors like nasal issues, epithelial damage, reduced enzyme activity, receptor cell loss, and neurotransmitter changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted causes of age-related olfactory sensory loss.
  • To investigate the association between impaired odor identification and cognitive decline.
  • To highlight the potential of olfactory dysfunction as an early indicator of neurodegenerative disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on age-related olfactory decline and neurodegeneration.

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  • Analysis of factors contributing to olfactory sensory loss in aging.
  • Correlation analysis between olfactory impairment and cognitive markers.

    • Main Results:

    • Olfactory dysfunction is prevalent in the elderly, influenced by numerous physiological and environmental factors.
    • Structural and functional abnormalities in olfactory pathways are implicated in sensory impairment.
    • Impaired odor identification correlates with decreased cognitive abilities and memory decline.

    Conclusions:

    • Reduced sense of smell is a significant issue in aging populations with broad health implications.
    • Olfactory impairment may serve as an early warning sign for neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
    • Further research into olfactory dysfunction's role in early diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is crucial.