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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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Olfaction01:25

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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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Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia01:27

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Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
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Depressive Disorders: Etiology01:27

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Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
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Depression: Overview01:18

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Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
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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.
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Updated: Jan 13, 2026

An Olfactory Preference Test for Measuring Olfactory Hedonic Biases in Mouse Models of Depression
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An Olfactory Preference Test for Measuring Olfactory Hedonic Biases in Mouse Models of Depression

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[Depressive disorders and olfactory dysfunction].

Yi Tang1,2, Laiquan Zou3, Xuanxuan Chen4

  • 1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062. 1619397576@qq.com.

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Central South University. Medical Sciences
|January 6, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Depressive disorder is linked to olfactory dysfunction, affecting smell sensitivity and identification. Brain changes in olfactory and emotion regions may explain these links and social deficits.

Keywords:
depressive disordersinternalizing problemolfactory cortexolfactory dysfunctionsocial functioning

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Olfactory Research

Background:

  • Depressive disorder is a common psychiatric condition with significant patient and societal burdens.
  • A strong link exists between depressive disorders and impaired olfactory function, impacting social functioning.
  • Olfactory deficits in depression span sensitivity, identification, discrimination, and memory, influenced by illness severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the neurobiological underpinnings of olfactory dysfunction in depressive disorder.
  • To understand the relationship between neural alterations, olfactory deficits, and depressive symptoms.
  • To identify potential targets for intervention in depressive disorder.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of olfactory bulb volume and olfactory cortex structure/function.
  • Assessment of structural and functional connectivity in emotion-related brain regions (e.g., amygdala).
  • Examination of neuroendocrine and inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

  • Individuals with depressive disorder exhibit reduced olfactory bulb volume.
  • Structural and functional abnormalities are observed in the olfactory cortex and amygdala.
  • Altered brain connectivity correlates with olfactory dysfunction and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Neural alterations in olfactory and emotion-processing brain regions provide a basis for understanding depressive disorder's symptoms.
  • Dysregulation in olfactory pathways, brain structure, neuroendocrine function, and inflammation are key mechanisms.
  • Olfactory training and aromatherapy show potential for improving olfactory function and alleviating depressive symptoms.