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Related Concept Videos

Olfaction01:25

Olfaction

47.0K
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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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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A Step-by-Step Guide to Mosquito Electroantennography
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Olfactory systems across mosquito species.

Matthew Wheelwright1, Catherine R Whittle1, Olena Riabinina2

  • 1Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.

Cell and Tissue Research
|January 21, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Mosquito olfactory research, focusing on a few species, needs expansion. This review explores mosquito olfaction, linking anatomy and function to ecology, and suggests future research directions across diverse species.

Keywords:
BrainEvolutionMosquitoesNeuroethologyNeuronsOlfactory organsReceptorsSensory ecology

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Entomology
  • Ecology

Background:

  • While 3559 mosquito species exist, olfactory research has concentrated on a limited number.
  • Understanding mosquito olfaction is crucial for controlling disease vectors and managing mosquito populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mosquito olfactory anatomy and function.
  • To connect olfactory systems to mosquito ecology.
  • To highlight understudied aspects and propose future research directions in mosquito olfaction.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on mosquito olfactory systems.
  • Analysis of the relationship between olfactory anatomy, function, and ecological roles.
  • Identification of knowledge gaps and promising avenues for future investigation.

Main Results:

  • Mosquito olfactory systems exhibit diverse structures and functions across species.
  • Olfaction plays a critical role in various ecological behaviors, including host-seeking and oviposition.
  • Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the olfactory mechanisms of most mosquito species.

Conclusions:

  • Expanding research beyond major disease vectors is essential for a comprehensive understanding of mosquito olfaction.
  • Future studies should explore the diversity of olfactory systems and their ecological relevance in underrepresented mosquito species.
  • This review aims to stimulate broader engagement within the insect neuroscience community on mosquito olfactory research.