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Related Concept Videos

Taste Buds and Receptors01:20

Taste Buds and Receptors

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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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Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure01:03

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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

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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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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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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Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Taste Exam: A Brief and Validated Test
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[Olfactory and gustatory disorders].

M M Speth1, U S Speth2, A R Sedaghat3

  • 1Klinik für Hals‑, Nasen‑, Ohrenkrankheiten, Hals- und Gesichtschirurgie, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Schweiz. marlenespeth@yahoo.co.uk.

HNO
|January 12, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Olfactory and gustatory disorders affect 5% of the population and are linked to COVID-19 and neurodegenerative diseases. Current treatments are limited, but future options like grafts and implants show promise.

Keywords:
AnosmiaCOVID-19OlfactionRespiratory tract infectionsRhinosinusitis

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Olfactory and gustatory disorders are common, affecting approximately 5% of the population.
  • These disorders have gained recent attention due to their association with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, where sudden loss of smell or taste is a key symptom.
  • Olfactory dysfunction is also significant in the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases and is often associated with depression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the etiology and diagnosis of olfactory and gustatory disorders.
  • To discuss current diagnostic and therapeutic options based on existing literature.
  • To explore potential future treatments for these conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current scientific publications.
  • Analysis of the etiology and diagnostic approaches for smell and taste disorders.
  • Evaluation of existing and emerging therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Olfactory and gustatory disorders are prevalent and impact quality of life.
  • Sudden olfactory loss is a hallmark symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Early olfactory dysfunction can indicate neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Therapeutic options for olfactory and gustatory disorders are currently limited.
  • Future treatments may include innovative approaches such as autologous mucosal grafts and olfactory implants.
  • Further research is needed to improve the management of these debilitating conditions.