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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...

Nose and Nasal Cavity

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The nose is composed of an observable exterior segment (external nose) and an internal segment within the skull known as the nasal cavity (internal nose). The external nose, visible on the face, consists of a framework of bone and hyaline cartilage enveloped in skin and muscle and lined with a mucous membrane. This structure is supported by the frontal bone, nasal bones, and maxillary bone and is supplemented by a cartilaginous framework comprising the septal nasal cartilage, lateral nasal...

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Endoscopic Septoplasty with Limited Two-line Resection: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Septal Deviation

Endoscopic Septoplasty with Limited Two-line Resection: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Septal Deviation

Published on: June 20, 2018

The Effect of External Approach Septoplasty on Olfactory Function.

Bilge Türk¹, Meltem Akpinar, Aytuğ Altundağ

¹*ENT Clinic, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Şişli †ENT Clinic, Istanbul Cerrahi Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery

|July 11, 2017

Summary

External approach septoplasty significantly improved olfactory function in patients with nasal obstruction. This surgery enhanced smell perception and nasal airflow, benefiting those with hyposmia or anosmia.

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Published on: December 4, 2014

Area of Science:

Otolaryngology
Rhinology
Olfactory Neuroscience

Background:

Nasal obstruction due to septal deviation often impairs olfactory function (hyposmia).
External approach septoplasty is a surgical technique to correct septal deviations.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of external approach septoplasty on olfactory function.
To assess changes in nasal airflow and internal nasal valve area post-surgery.

Main Methods:

Thirty patients undergoing external approach septoplasty were evaluated.
Olfactory function was assessed using the "Sniffin Sticks" test pre- and post-surgery.
Acoustic rhinometry measured nasal cavity cross-sectional areas (MCA1, MCA2) before and after surgery.

Main Results:

Significant improvements were observed in olfactory threshold, discrimination, and identification post-septoplasty.
Postoperative olfactory function showed statistically significant improvement in patients with hyposmia and anosmia.
Acoustic rhinometry revealed significant changes in nasal cavity dimensions (MCA1, MCA2) after surgery.

Conclusions:

External approach septoplasty positively affects olfactory function.
Improved nasal airflow perception and enhanced internal nasal valve area likely contribute to olfactory improvements.
Septoplasty is a viable option for patients suffering from smell impairment due to septal deviation.