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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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Taste Buds and Receptors01:20

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Gustation, or the sense of taste, is intrinsically linked to the anatomical structures located on the tongue. This organ's surface, along with the entirety of the oral cavity, is adorned with stratified squamous epithelium. Evident on the tongue are elevated structures known as papillae (singular = papilla), which house the mechanisms for the transduction of gustatory stimuli. Four distinct types of papillae exist, each identified by their unique morphological attributes: the circumvallate,...
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Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway01:20

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

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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.
The olfactory...
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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.
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
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Gustation01:43

Gustation

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Gustation is a chemical sense that, along with olfaction (smell), contributes to our perception of taste. It starts with the activation of receptors by chemical compounds (tastants) dissolved in the saliva. The saliva and filiform papillae on the tongue distribute the tastants and increase their exposure to the taste receptors.
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The Physiology of Taste01:24

The Physiology of Taste

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The perception of a salty flavor is facilitated by sodium ions within the oral salivary fluid. Upon consumption of a salty substance, salt crystals disassemble, leading to the liberation of its constituents—Na+ and Cl- ions. These ions subsequently dissolve into the salivary fluid present in the oral cavity. The external environment of the gustatory cells experiences an elevation in Na+ concentration, thereby establishing a potent concentration gradient. This gradient propels the...
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Olfactory and gustatory abnormalities in COVID-19 cases.

Fazilet Altin1, Cemal Cingi2, Tankut Uzun3

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Health Sciences, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology : Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
|June 25, 2020
PubMed
Summary

COVID-19 infection significantly impacts smell and taste. Loss of smell (anosmia) or taste (ageusia) can indicate a latent SARS-CoV-2 infection, aiding in early detection.

Keywords:
COVID-19SmellSmell testTasteVirus infection

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Area of Science:

  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has seen widespread discussion regarding olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in infected individuals.
  • Anosmia and ageusia are frequently reported symptoms, prompting clinical and public interest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct comprehensive olfactory and gustatory testing in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
  • To compare sensory test results between COVID-19 positive patients and a control group.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 81 individuals confirmed with COVID-19 via PCR testing.
  • A control group of 40 individuals who tested negative for COVID-19.
  • Standardized olfactory and gustatory testing performed by a single examiner under strict safety protocols.

Main Results:

  • Among COVID-19 patients, 61.7% reported olfactory complaints, a statistically significant difference compared to controls (p < 0.001).
  • Taste dysfunction was reported by 27.2% of COVID-19 patients, also showing a statistically significant difference from the control group (p < 0.001).
  • Demographics showed similar age and gender distribution between the case (n=81) and control (n=40) groups.

Conclusions:

  • Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are strongly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Reduced sense of smell (hyposmia) and/or taste (hypogeusia) may serve as a reliable indicator of undiagnosed COVID-19.