The vomeronasal organ: History, development, morphology, and functional neuroanatomy

The human vomeronasal organ (VNO) is an accessory olfactory organ located on the anteroinferior part of the nasal septum, 1.5-2.5cm from the nostrils. Its main role is pheromone reception and, through its anatomical connections with the central nervous system, especially parts of the hypothalamus, modulation of both social and sexual behavior, although these relations have been established only in nonprimates and very little is yet established for the structure and function of the human VNO. Morphologically, the human VNO is a pit or duct-shaped structure, comprised of three cellular layers-basal cells, neural cells with olfactory cell morphology and immunohistochemical phenotype, and ciliated respiratory epithelium. Medially and connected to the VNO, a small nerve fiber is found that runs longitudinally to the nasal septum and is considered by some to be a distant process of the Cranial Nerve 0 or terminal nerve. In addition to pheromone reception, the human VNO has also been associated with several pathological conditions, including sinus septi nasi, posttraumatic stress disorder, and ectopic olfactory esthesioblastoma.