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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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Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway01:20

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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 22, 2025

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Olfactory Effects of Airborne Pollutants &#8212; Buried Food and Social Odor Tests
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PM2.5 exposure and olfactory functions.

John Andersson1, Anna Oudin2, Steven Nordin1

  • 1Department of Psychology Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.

International Journal of Environmental Health Research
|August 31, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was linked to improved odor identification. This air pollution effect on smell varied with age, but short-term exposure showed no impact.

Keywords:
air pollutionolfaction

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Neuroscience
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Air pollution is increasingly recognized for its detrimental effects on cognitive functions.
  • The olfactory system, directly exposed to airborne pollutants, plays a role in cognition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between long-term and short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and olfactory functions.
  • Investigate potential interactions between PM2.5 exposure and age concerning olfactory performance.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Betula project, a longitudinal cohort study, including odor test scores.
  • Estimated long-term PM2.5 exposure using dispersion models based on residential addresses.
  • Obtained short-term PM2.5 exposure data from a nearby monitoring station.

Main Results:

  • A positive association was observed between long-term PM2.5 exposure and odor identification ability.
  • An interaction between PM2.5 exposure and age was found to influence odor identification.
  • No significant associations were found between PM2.5 exposure (long- or short-term) and odor detection thresholds.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term exposure to PM2.5 may enhance odor identification, a finding modulated by age.
  • Short-term PM2.5 exposure does not appear to affect olfactory functions.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms behind PM2.5's impact on the olfactory system.