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Related Concept Videos

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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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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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.
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Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
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A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
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Associations between physical and cognitive activities and olfactory function in older adults.

Biye Wang1, Tao Tao1, Wei Guo1

  • 1College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China.

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Maintaining good olfactory function in older adults is crucial for safety and wellbeing. Engaging in both physical and cognitive activities together may best preserve the sense of smell as we age.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Neuroscience
  • Sensory Science

Background:

  • Olfactory function is essential for daily life and safety, but declines with age.
  • Previous research indicates physical activity benefits olfaction, but cognitive activity's role is less understood.
  • The combined impact of physical and cognitive engagement on aging olfaction requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the associations between physical activity, cognitive activity, and olfactory function in older adults.
  • To examine how these activities relate to specific olfactory domains: identification, sensitivity, and memory.
  • To determine if combined physical and cognitive engagement offers synergistic benefits for olfactory preservation.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study design involving 583 community-dwelling older adults.
  • Assessment of physical activity levels, cognitive engagement, and three distinct domains of olfactory function.
  • Statistical analysis to identify associations between lifestyle activities and olfactory performance.

Main Results:

  • Both physical and cognitive activities were positively correlated with overall olfactory performance.
  • Physical activity showed the strongest association with olfactory identification.
  • Cognitive activity was most strongly linked to olfactory memory.
  • Individuals with moderate-to-high levels of both activities demonstrated superior overall olfactory scores.

Conclusions:

  • A lifestyle incorporating both physical and cognitive engagement may be beneficial for preserving olfactory function in aging.
  • These findings highlight the potential for lifestyle interventions to support sensory health and quality of life in older adults.
  • Maintaining olfaction through combined activities has implications for enhancing autonomy and safety in later life.