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Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway

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...

Olfaction

Olfaction

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...

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 18, 2025

Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice

Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice

Published on: June 15, 2015

How early olfactory experiences influence brain development in mice.

Hirofumi Nishizumi¹

¹Department of Brain Function, School of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, Fukui, Japan.

Frontiers in Neural Circuits

|June 25, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Mammalian sensory systems, like the olfactory system, rely on genetic programming and early environmental input for proper development. Neonatal critical periods are vital for refining neural circuits, influencing perception and behavior.

Keywords:

activity critical period memory olfactory circuit olfactory imprinting plasticity sensory systems

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A Lateralized Odor Learning Model in Neonatal Rats for Dissecting Neural Circuitry Underpinning Memory Formation

A Lateralized Odor Learning Model in Neonatal Rats for Dissecting Neural Circuitry Underpinning Memory Formation

Published on: August 18, 2014

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Developmental Biology
Sensory Systems

Background:

Mammalian neural circuits develop via genetic encoding and activity-dependent refinement.
Neonatal critical periods are key for sensory circuit maturation through environmental stimuli.
Early sensory deprivation can impair neural function and system development.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent findings on olfactory circuit development in mice.
To explore the impact of early olfactory experience on neural circuits and behavior.

Main Methods:

This review synthesizes existing research on mammalian sensory system development.
Focuses on studies investigating olfactory circuit formation and plasticity in mice.
Examines the role of environmental odor exposure during critical developmental periods.

Main Results:

Olfactory neural circuits are initially established by genetic programming.
Activity-dependent processes refine these circuits during the neonatal critical period.
Early odor exposure significantly shapes olfactory perception and social behaviors in mice.

Conclusions:

Environmental stimuli during critical periods are essential for optimal sensory system development.
Olfactory circuit development in mice is a dynamic interplay between genetics and experience.
Early sensory experiences have lasting effects on neural function and behavior.