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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...

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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Updated: Mar 3, 2026

A Lateralized Odor Learning Model in Neonatal Rats for Dissecting Neural Circuitry Underpinning Memory Formation

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Olfactory Loss and Regain: Lessons for Neuroplasticity.

Johanna L Reichert^1,2, Veronika Schöpf^1,2

¹1 Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

The Neuroscientist : a Review Journal Bringing Neurobiology, Neurology and Psychiatry

|May 2, 2017

Summary

Olfactory loss triggers significant brain changes beyond the olfactory bulb, affecting both structure and function. Recovery through olfactory training shows potential for neural reorganization.

Keywords:

anosmia hyposmia magnetic resonance imaging neuroplasticity olfaction smell smell loss structural and functional changes voxel-based morphometry

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Last Updated: Mar 3, 2026

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Olfactory Assays for Mouse Models of Neurodegenerative Disease

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Published on: August 25, 2014

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Sensory processing
Brain plasticity

Background:

Extensive research exists on neuronal reorganization in visual and auditory systems following sensory loss.
Neuroplasticity after olfactory sense loss remains under-investigated compared to other senses.

Purpose of the Study:

To review existing literature on structural and functional neuroplasticity following olfactory loss.
To focus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based studies and findings related to olfactory sense regain.

Main Methods:

Literature review focusing on neuroimaging studies, particularly MRI.
Inclusion of studies on olfactory training and sense regain.

Main Results:

Olfactory loss induces widespread structural brain changes extending beyond the olfactory bulb.
Functional changes are observed not only in olfactory regions but also within the trigeminal system.
Evidence suggests potential for neural reorganization following olfactory training.

Conclusions:

Significant structural and functional brain alterations occur after olfactory sense loss.
Future research should include longitudinal studies, investigate congenital anosmia, and utilize advanced neuroimaging techniques like connectivity analyses.