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Related Concept Videos

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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 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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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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Psychosexual Theory of Development01:14

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Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory of development suggests that early childhood experiences significantly shape personality and behavior. Freud proposed that development is discontinuous, occurring in five distinct stages, each defined by a focus on different erogenous zones. He believed that failure to resolve the conflicts specific to each stage successfully could result in fixation, potentially influencing behavior as adults.
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The third stage of psychosexual development proposed by Freud is the phallic stage, occurring between the ages of 3 and 6. During this period, children become aware of their bodies and the differences between males and females. The erogenous zone in this stage is the genitals, and conflicts arise as children develop desires toward the opposite-sex parent. Boys experience the Oedipus complex, where they desire their mother and view their father as a rival. This leads to castration anxiety, the...
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Sex differences in main olfactory system pathways involved in psychosexual function.

James A Cherry1, Michael J Baum2

  • 1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.

Genes, Brain, and Behavior
|October 22, 2019
PubMed
Summary

Sex differences in olfactory processing of pheromones are evident in mammals. Human studies suggest putative pheromones, detected by the main olfactory system, may influence mate choice and mating behaviors.

Keywords:
accessory olfactory systemchemosignalhumanmain olfactory bulbmain olfactory epitheliummain olfactory systemmedial amygdalamousepheromonesex differencesexual behavior

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Olfactory system research
  • Behavioral endocrinology

Background:

  • Sex differences exist in olfactory system function.
  • Pheromones are key in regulating psychosexual functions in many species.
  • The role of pheromones in human sexual behavior is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review animal and human literature on sex differences in pheromone detection.
  • To assess the role of the main olfactory system in processing pheromones.
  • To explore the influence of putative human pheromones on mate choice and mating.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of animal and human studies.
  • Analysis of olfactory signals and their impact on sexual functions.
  • Examination of neural pathways involved in pheromone processing.

Main Results:

  • Non-primate mammals show an obligatory role for the main olfactory system in pheromonal signaling for mate recognition and arousal.
  • Evidence for an obligatory role of pheromones is weaker in primates, including humans.
  • Putative human pheromones (AND, EST, copulin) are detected by the main olfactory system.

Conclusions:

  • Sexually dimorphic effects of human pheromones are hypothesized to be mediated by olfactory inputs to the medial amygdala.
  • This pathway transmits signals to hypothalamic reproductive centers.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of pheromones in human sexual behavior.