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Related Concept Videos

Olfaction01:25

Olfaction

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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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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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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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Introduction to Special Senses01:26

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Sensory receptors play an integral part in comprehending our external and internal environments. They receive diverse stimuli, converting them into the nervous system's electrochemical signals. This conversion occurs as the stimulus alters the sensory neuron's cell membrane potential, instigating the generation of an action potential. This action potential is subsequently transmitted to the central nervous system (CNS), which integrates with other sensory data or higher cognitive...
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Olfactory sensitivity in mammalian species.

M Wackermannová1, L Pinc, L Jebavý

  • 1Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic. wackermannova@gmail.com.

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|April 13, 2016
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Summary

Mammalian olfaction detects diverse chemicals via multiple systems. This review summarizes olfactory sensitivity and detection thresholds across species, highlighting research gaps.

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Area of Science:

  • Sensory Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Animal Behavior

Background:

  • Olfaction is crucial for mammalian survival, enabling detection of odorants and pheromones.
  • Two primary olfactory systems (main and vomeronasal) and minor systems mediate chemical perception.
  • Individual and species-specific differences in olfactory sensitivity are known, but underlying mechanisms remain largely unelucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize existing research on mammalian olfactory sensitivity and detection abilities.
  • To provide an overview of olfactory detection thresholds across various mammalian species.
  • To describe the fundamental principles of olfactory perception and factors influencing olfactory sensitivity.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive review of scientific literature on mammalian olfaction.
  • Analysis of studies employing diverse methodologies and chemical substances.
  • Focus on studies reporting comparable olfactory detection thresholds.

Main Results:

  • Humans, non-human primates, rodents, and dogs are the most studied species for olfactory sensitivity.
  • Limited olfactory threshold data exists for species beyond domestic pigs.
  • Studies on seals, elephants, and bats often prioritize discriminative abilities over sensitivity.

Conclusions:

  • Significant variation exists in mammalian olfactory capabilities.
  • Behavioral testing is the predominant method for assessing olfactory sensitivity in mammals.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind olfactory sensitivity differences across species.